Despite the gloomy weather, the students packed together tight beneath the gazebos and celebrated Black History Month as a community whilst the rain came down. 

Hairstyling, makeup, and playing traditional board games; the college provided an exclusive menu for the event, serving Caribbean jerk chicken with jollof rice, twice-cooked Senegalese yassa, and delicious sweet potato cake for dessert - it was a real treat for all those involved. 

Here at SHC, we deliver a powerful message of inclusivity, equality, and diversity throughout our practices, and what better time to display our spirit than Black History Month? 

Last year, our Hair and Beauty students set the stage to ensure that all the students involved had a brilliant time, and this year they didn't fall short either - our students boasted beautiful braids, and their faces, hands, and arms adorned with different flags from all over the world. 

For those who didn't feel like facing the rain, the college held a Spoken Word event in honour of Black History, exhibiting gorgeous poems by the likes of Bernadine Evaristo - a local poet and Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel University London. Having come from South East London herself, we are always proud to remind our students of their abilities, whether that be through our teaching or our incredible guests. 

Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honour local communities to highlight the lives and works of black people worldwide, and in doing so, learn something new and have some fun.

At Shooters Hill Sixth Form College, we ensure that in celebrating Black History Month, the students can understand its importance beyond stories of racism and put a spotlight on Black achievement and culture. 

Written by Amy Boyle