As part of OPDC’s involvement in Black History Month 2021, our Engagement Officer Clarissa visited Old Oak Primary School to join in with their celebrations and wrote a blog about her experience.
On Friday 25 October, I had the honour of joining Old Oak Primary in Hammersmith & Fulham, for their Black History Month celebrations.
Old Oak Primary School held a series of events for the children to celebrate Black History Month, and this year the theme was ‘Proud to be’. One visit to the school and it is clear from the art, poems and stories that adorn the walls in corridors and classrooms, that Black History is taught and recognised throughout the year.
As part of these celebrations the school hosted the English Chamber Orchestra who played beautiful music by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, who is known as the first classical composer of African ancestry. Throughout the day, the English Chamber Orchestra taught the children the history of Joseph Bologne with the use of instruments, songs and dance.
The following week, OPDC sponsored a visit to the school from award-winning author of A is for Africa and other children’s literature, Ifeoma Onyefulu, to read and put on art and poetry activities for the children. Ifeoma captured the attention of all the children, aged 3-11, with her vibrant storytelling, poems and songs, celebrating and learning about African history.
On the last day of term, the children and staff were able to showcase the theme by wearing clothes that represent the person they are ‘Proud to be’ and it was amazing to see the array of cultural outfits, colourful hair, sports kits, hats and tops that everyone wore. In keeping with the theme, I opted to wear my bright pink crocs with added accessories to celebrate Black History Month.
So, what am I proud to be?
I am proud to be a black woman, I am proud to be working with a diverse community and I am proud to work for OPDC.
In diversity there is beauty and strength.