Black History Month at Capital City College: Exploring and reclaiming Black narratives

Capital City College celebrated Black History Month with a diverse programme of events designed to explore narratives of Black history and culture.

Students and staff at Capital City College (CCC) embraced Black History Month in October with a series of engaging events. The theme of this year’s Black History Month was Reclaiming the Narrative and centred on recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. A wide-reaching programme of events took place at CCC’s various college centres to encourage students to learn about Black history both outside and within their own communities.

In addition to weekly tutorial activities focussing on changing narratives, students were able to attend events in person and online throughout the month. There was a range of events featuring spoken word, music, debating, arts and crafts and quizzes as well as an African Flag Display at the college’s King’s Cross centre and Westminster centre.

During Black History Month, CCC students were able to participate in informative talks and discussions focusing on different aspects of Black history including:

• Black scientists and inventors 
• Exploring Black History of Hair and Beauty 
• Notting Hill Carnival: Who Started It?
• Black Eagles: The RAF’s Caribbean and West African Aircrew Volunteers During The 2nd World War
• Black Nurses: The Women Who Saved The NHS
• Reclaiming Narratives: Taking control of our stories via Film and Music

In addition to a weekly conversation club exploring African Caribbean culture, there was also a range of films and documentaries shown throughout the month.

Black History Month Panel Discussion

On 17 October, around 120 learners from Health and Social Care courses attended the Black History Month Panel Discussion at the college’s King’s Cross centre.

The event was organised by Elisha Lashley, Events and Activities Co-ordinator at CCC and welcomed three distinguished speakers to the panel:

• Stephanie Ezechukwu, Head of Prosecutions at the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency
• Marissa Nunziata,  Lead Content Manager at Tribal Worldwide
• Dr Janet Amakye. a self-employed locum GP

During the event, the panellists shared their personal experiences and highlighted the importance of resilience and community support in overcoming barriers. This led to an engaging discussion in which students were able to share their experiences and perspectives. The collaborative dialogue enabled attendees to acquire a deeper understanding of the stigmas and challenges faced by ethnic minorities while creating honest conversations about systemic issues and developing ideas for solutions. The panellists emphasised the importance of actionable steps such as mentorship programs, increased visibility of BAME role models and advocating for inclusive policies in education and the workplace.

Evolution of Caribbean music and the global impact of reggae

On 21 October, students attended a presentation at CCC’s Tottenham centre which explored the rich history of Caribbean music, with a special focus on the cultural and global significance of reggae. 

The session began with an overview of the diverse musical traditions across the Caribbean, highlighting how African rhythms, European instruments, and Indigenous influences fused to create distinct musical genres such as calypso, mento, ska, and dancehall. The presentation went on to explore the emergence of reggae music in Jamaica during the 1960s, tracing its roots from ska and rocksteady. 

The event concluded with a discussion emphasising the genre’s connection to Rastafarianism, social justice, and the struggles of the African diaspora, with reggae icons like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Burning Spear amplifying the message of resistance and unity. Participants had the opportunity to learn about reggae’s rise to international fame, how it became a voice for the oppressed worldwide, and its lasting influence on global pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.

Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Workshops

On 22 October, 46 students took part in two Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Workshops at the college’s Tottenham centre and Enfield centre. The sessions were led by Sharon Browne-Peter, Director of COAG Comics, an innovative imprint that creates comic books explaining sickle cell disease while also supporting those affected by the illness.

During the workshops, students from Level 3 Creative Media courses and Level 3 Applied Science courses learnt about Sickle Cell Disease, a genetic blood disorder and critical health condition affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly in African and Caribbean communities.

Students learned about Sickle Cell Disease including its effect on the body and discovered the importance of early diagnosis, treatment, and support. The workshops aimed to raise awareness and foster understanding and empathy for those living with the condition, which can significantly impact daily life and overall health.

Black History Month Fair and Celebration Event

Students had the opportunity to attend a Black History Month Celebration Event on 21 October at the Holloway centre as well as a Black History Month Fair on 24 October at the King’s Cross centre. These vibrant events showcased a range of organisations and initiatives highlighting black culture and supporting young people while also giving students the opportunity to share their own activities, music and displays.

CCC’s Black History Month events spanned both shared student spaces and classrooms across the college’s centres. As part of their course assessment, students from Music and Music Production courses delivered a range of musical pieces inspired by Black History Month. In the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, a Caribbean Masterclass gave students on Culinary Arts courses the opportunity to explore the rich and diverse array of flavours, cooking techniques, and cultural traditions that make up Caribbean cuisine.

By providing students with a wide-ranging programme of events, talks and discussion spaces, teaching and support staff across the college aimed to engage students in meaningful activities and discourse while highlighting the importance of Black narratives as part of Black History Month.

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