Recalling her own experience as the only black kid in her Newport classroom
in the eighties Josie d'Arby looks at the introduction of Black History Month
into British schools and asks whether it has been a help or hindrance to the way
children understand the past and to how black people relate to the way history
is taught in our classrooms. Has the focus of BHM changed much over 23 years?
Why is there an emphasis on American figures like Martin Luther King and
Muhammed Ali? And what about other groups who feel marginalised by not having
time dedicated to them?
Speaking with teachers, pupils, parents, politicians
and academics, Josie finds out what Black History Month means and meets some
unlikely critics and supporters.
Producer Rachael Kiddey.