Black History Month 2024: Reclaiming Narratives at Co-op Academy

This October, Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent celebrated Black History Month under the theme Reclaiming Narratives, with a focus on learning about Black trailblazers and lesser-known heroes whose contributions have often been left out of the mainstream narrative. Throughout the month, our tutor programme spotlighted inspiring Black Britons, from pioneers in civil rights and the arts to innovators in science and technology, allowing students to discover and appreciate these influential stories.

A highlight of the month was our academy-wide design competition, where students were encouraged to create artwork inspired by Black British history and culture. The response was fantastic, and the winning designs are now proudly on display on The Street, forming a powerful visual celebration of Black heritage.

Winners were awarded a book by renowned historian and author David Olusoga, adding to their understanding of the history they helped illustrate.

We closed the month’s events with a food tasting experience, where students and staff sampled puff-puff, a popular West African snack. The CYLs did a fantastic job running the stall, sharing the delicious fried dough balls that are a staple at celebrations across West Africa. The stall was a hit, and the aroma of freshly made puff-puff added a festive touch to the day.

Thanks to all involved, especially our CYLs, who helped make Black History Month 2024 a memorable celebration of heritage, creativity, and learning at Co-op Academy.