Pupils, parents and staff from Belvedere Junior School, part of The Pioneer Academy Trust, came together to celebrate Black History Month recently, with an evening event held at the Belvedere school in Bexley.

The evening was a joyful celebration of black heritage and culture, including poetry by Benjamin Zephaniah, music performed on steel drums and a variety of Afro-Caribbean foods.

Each year group has also studied artwork by black artists including Sonia Boyce, Joy Yamusangie and Larry Achiampong, and pupils have created their own interpretations of their artworks.

Parents of pupils from Belvedere Junior School said that the celebration was an “amazing” and “very soulful” event which “united” the school.

One parent said: “I want to take a moment to express my utmost appreciation for the wonderful Black History Month celebration held at the Belvedere Junior school. It was an incredibly enriching and memorable experience that truly captured the essence and significance of this important event.

“I can tell the students and parents enjoyed it also from the looks on their faces.”

Louise Lynch, Executive Headteacher at Belvedere Junior School, said:

“Black people have made fundamental and extraordinary contributions to British history for centuries, yet their contributions and value to society is too often overlooked, ignored or distorted.

“It’s really important that our pupils have the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand Black British History during Black History Month, and also throughout the year.

“I am really pleased that this event was enjoyed so greatly by the whole school community. We hope that this event will be the first of many.”