Black History Month: A week packed with fantastic guests and activities!

This year, St Julian’s chose to "go big" in our celebration and recognition of Black History Month and are proud that we are one of the first schools in Portugal to do so. With a range of special guests, we were able to find time to celebrate black history and culture whilst also remembering and reflecting on the ways that racism has impacted and continues to impact our society in Portugal and societies around the world.

Many of our expert guests were specialists on Black history in Portugal specifically, and we are proud to have shone a spotlight on an often neglected area of history. Our guest speakers showed us that we could all grow when we consider how people may experience the past and present differently from ourselves and when we challenge ourselves to reconsider colonial historical narratives.

Flickr album: SJS Black History week was packed with amazing Guest Speakers and activities! | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin

In addition to some poignant and illuminating lectures and Q&A workshops, we found the time to learn traditionally Black dance styles, sing songs dating back to Black communities in 19th Century America, taste cuisines with strong links to Black History and listen to music that focused on Black pride and Black identity.

We are incredibly grateful to all of our guest specialists and to the entire St. Julian's community for embracing Black History Month with such curiosity and commitment to citizenship.

Jacob Thorpe
History Teacher