Malorie Blackman calls for year-round black history in schoolson October 19, 2022 at 11:55 pm

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

The Noughts and Crosses author says schools should teach “whole-truth” black history all year round.

Malorie BlackmanImage source, Paul Akinrinlola

One of the UK’s most successful children’s authors says schools should teach black history all year round.

Malorie Blackman said history lessons should tell “the whole truth” of the British Empire, such as Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.

Schools in England are not currently required to teach any black history.

Adding it to the curriculum would help prevent those speaking out against racism being accused of “race-baiting”, the former children’s laureate said.

“For some people, they don’t want anything taught that makes them uncomfortable,” Blackman told BBC News.

But history should not be about “cherry-picking the best bits” and she looked forward to Black History Month – October in the UK – becoming redundant because the topic was being taught all year round.

“If you’re talking about the history of Britain, then that history includes black people and people of colour,” Blackman said.

“My [ancestors’] history did not start with slavery. Black people have been in this country since Roman times, if not before.”

The curriculum in Wales changed this year to include diverse experiences of people belonging to ethnic minorities.

And if other parts of the UK followed suit, Blackman suggested, it would help address racism.

“Hopefully, we can get past this nonsense of people saying you should go back to where you came from and so forth, which I still get when I mention this subject,” she said.

“Let’s talk about the full history, embrace it warts and all, so that we can learn from it.”

The Department for Education did not provide a response to Blackman’s comments.

But it says the current curriculum in England gives teachers the freedom and flexibility to include black voices and experiences.

The Scottish government says its curriculum provides opportunities to teach black history all year round, if teachers want to.

This video can not be played

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

Best known for young-adults’ series Noughts and Crosses, recently turned into a BBC drama, Blackman’s work has played a significant role in diversifying children’s literature over the past 30 years, exploring race and identity issues.

Her new memoir has been published through the rapper Stormzy’s brand, Merky books, created to increase representation in literature.

There had been progress, Blackman said, but there remained room for improvement.

“We still need more books from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, working-class authors and books from and about neuro-divergent children,” she said.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

Czech forest fire smoke drifts across countryon July 26, 2022 at 10:47 am

People have been told to keep windows closed as the smell of smoke spreads to many areas.People have been told to keep windows closed...

IPL: Australian cricketers caught by India ban fly homeon May 17, 2021 at 1:16 am

It comes as the government faces fresh criticism for failing to support Australians stranded in India.image copyrightGetty ImagesA group of Australian cricketers have landed...

Farmers’ protest: Delhi turns into fortress as thousands march to India capitalon February 13, 2024 at 12:41 pm

Thousands of farmers head for the capital to press the government to meet promises on crop prices.This video can not be playedTo play this...

Tuchel, Ten Hag & Forest – the big deadline day talking pointson September 2, 2022 at 1:32 pm

Will Chelsea's spending bring success? How will Nottingham Forest integrate all their signings? BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty assesses the Premier League...

‘I’m no Michael Jordan’ – Antetokounmpo shines in crucial NBA Finals winon July 12, 2021 at 6:20 am

Giannis Antetokounmpo plays down comparisons to Michael Jordan after a historic display in game three of the NBA Finals.Giannis Antetokounmpo plays down comparisons to...