October is Black History Month, founded to recognise the contributions that people of African and Caribbean backgrounds have made to the UK over many generations.
This year’s theme for Black History Month was “Reclaiming Narratives,” and marked a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture.
At Rosary, we focused on recognising the story of someone very close to home, Beryl Gilroy. Dr Beryl Gilroy moved to England from what was then British Guiana in 1952, as part of the Windrush generation. However, as he pursued employment in education she battled through the overt discrimination and was frequently denied teaching jobs. Despite this setback, Beryl Gilroy went on to become Camden’s first black headteacher at Beckford Primary School. She later become an acclaimed author and respected broadcaster.
In 2022, her achievements were acknowledged with a mural outside the Camden school she acted as head of. Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, who unveiled the artwork, said:
“This beautiful tribute to Dr Gilroy will serve as inspiration to all the students and visitors coming through West Hampstead. It shows that education does not always happen in a classroom, and that information and knowledge can reach so many more people through the medium of art and culture.”
The artwork celebrating Beryl Gilroy, Camden’s first black headteacher inspired us and we created our own art and poems in honour of Beryl Gilroy.
Have a look at some of our WOW work below.
Alfie in Snowy Owls
Danequa in Macaws
Lyla in Flamingos
Some children also chose to focus on people of their own choosing:
Stiles chose to honour Charles Henry Turner, famous for his studies on the behavior of insects, particularly bees and ants.
Whilst Jeminipe celebrated singer, actress and dancer Josephine Baker, the first black woman to star in a major motion picture.
