October marks Black History Month and the School has been dedicated to exploring and sharing Black culture, heritage and history. To celebrate the occasion, the School put on a plethora of events aiming to shine a light and provide a platform for voices and stories to be shared. Very bravely, girls shared their own experiences within Chapel services to help to develop a clearer understanding of Black culture in our society. Following this, lesson and activity slots provided time for reflection and discussions surrounding Black History Month.

Inspirational exhibitions of innovative black women and their accomplishments were showcased in the Library, Dining Rooms and Fireplace. Alongside the display in the Fireplace, a collection of quotations hand-picked by the girls played to accompany the wonderful achievements of these women for an immersive experience.

On Friday 16 October, the whole School had the opportunity to listen to 10 speakers, all remotely, including ORs Noo Saro-Wiwa (No.3, 1986- 94) and Natalie Nzeyimana (No.2, 2003-09), about their experiences. Other speakers included Roedean’s Honorary Chaplin Very Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Precious Adams, one of the few world-class black ballerinas, and Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, a New York Attorney and Solicitor of England & Wales. You can view the full programme of speakers here.

The virtual event went extremely well, despite the added demands of technical issues and organising a schedule around the girls’ ‘bubble’ groups, and the girls had some wonderful feedback. 

Maya, Year 9, said: ‘Natalie really educated us about her time at Roedean and her life experiences – it was great!’

Molly, also Year 9, said: ‘Noo spoke brilliantly, particularly when she was debunking the myths about immigrants’ roles in society today and in the past.’

We would like to express our huge thanks to the speakers for taking the time to speak to the girls, it is always a great pleasure to welcome ORs, albeit virtually on this occasion, to speak at the School.

Over the coming months, we will be listening to and surveying the School community so that it can provide a fully inclusive programme where every girl feels equally valued, included and able to express herself. We cannot wait to share the launch of the new programme with you in the future.