I teach my students about black history and racism so they understand their duty to speak out

‘The death of George Floyd’ – as I reread the title of the PSHE lesson I had just created for my pupils to complete remotely at home, I stared at the screen in sorrow, but not shock.

If we were at our school in north-west London, they would have expressed the pain and anger that I feel about the injustice that continues to happen. We would hold debates, and the incredible young people that I am privileged to teach and learn from would plan and deliver citizen actions to campaign against the racism woven in all areas in society.

They would sign petitions and write letters to their local councillor and MP, they would hold assemblies to express their condemnation and host fundraisers to raise money and awareness about what we can do to stem the spread of racial hatred, and change the narrative.

They are not afraid to call out racism and will openly discuss white privilege and unconscious bias in such an articulate and passionate manner that it makes me certain things will change for the better.

I believe in them, and this is why teaching more about black culture and history and racism in our schools is crucial from the earliest age. Education drives change and we need it more than ever.

I am lucky to work in a community where my headteacher and colleagues strive to ensure our pupils learn a diverse curriculum, where pupils see their faces mirrored in the success of inspirational black role models throughout their learning.

Not just amazing music artists and sports stars, but scientists, such Dr Donald Palmer, MPs, including Dawn Butler and local councillors, such as Joshua and Wilhelmina Mitchell Murray, who have all visited the school.

This does not only occur in October, but throughout the year.

We make it our duty to ensure pupils know about race relations and the inequality that also exists in the UK. They know about Mark Duggan and the London riots, and understand that they too have a duty to speak out, even when they are scared.

Every school in Brent has a Black Caribbean Achievement Champion, and as the champion at my school, we nurture our pupils to believe in their value and worth, to know that they are treasured, and that no one has the right to say or do anything against their brilliance.

All educators have a moral obligation to ensure they do not shy away from the conversations that need to be had and the change that needs to come. 

When I collected the title of UK Parliament Teacher of the Year in the House of Commons last year, I stood in front of policy makers and expressed my determination to continue to teach that politics is for everyone and not for a select few.

I was proud to be standing there as a black woman. I try my very best to be a role model and example to my pupils.

They need to see that they do not have to settle for anything less and deserve the best. My pupils understand that parliament is there to serve them and they know their rights, but experience leaves a heavy mark.

Even from a young age, racism is commonplace, but no one is born a racist. We must use the powerful tool of education to teach and demand a better future from those who shape it.  

I miss my pupils dearly during this time, and I worry about their safety and wellbeing. I worry they may encounter a racist that has no regard for the gift of life. George Floyd was a pupil, as well as a son, family member and friend.

He would have received an education and been taught the rule of law is there to protect lives, just as we teach our pupils.

However for him and for others around the world, this was not the case – because he was black. We cannot continue to let this happen and we must use education to help eradicate it.  

Do you have a story that you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing claie.wilson@metro.co.uk.

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