Call for black history to be taught in our schools
A GROUP is campaigning for discrimination legislation to be passed without delay.
GuernsAgainstDiscrimination group members include Charlotte Parkes, Eva James, Alex Robinson, Josh Macksoni, Pieter Durman, Paige Williams and Ewan Frolich.
Also signed music artist Chloe Curran, known as Empara Mi, is appealing for black history to be included in the curriculum here and in the UK.
Miss Parkes said: ‘We are working in conjunction with Equality Guernsey to push for the proposed discrimination legislation to be approved. Emily Oliver has been petitioning for this too. As a group we are working with all other parties with a similar purpose.’
Five group aims are published on its Instagram account.
‘Included in this is Chloe’s work to include black history in Guernsey and the UK’s educational curriculum. All together we are advocating for positive change, to make the public aware of different issues and the necessity for change.
‘We hope to change attitudes in the community with regards to racism, and extend this to all forms of discrimination.’
Together they have been writing an informed appeal for support to send to relevant States members.
‘UK curriculum has a direct effect to Guernsey. The curriculum excludes black histories throughout, and omits the vast contributions black people have made to the UK.
'As a result, young people are not given a full or accurate version of British history, which limits their opportunities and futures in an increasingly diverse landscape on and off the island,’ said Miss Curran.
A UK education principle was offered to demonstrate this, stating nothing must detract from improving the lives and
opportunities of children.
‘Learning black history should be actively encouraged in our schools, not written out of existence. I’m donating children’s books which celebrate inclusivity and diversity to primary schools in Guernsey.’
Continued pressure on legislative bodies is planned.
‘There has been fantastic support with petitions, which will continue to grow. We will continue to gather more support from within the schools, parish leaders, influential members of the community and residents. There is a long way to go.’
The proposed discrimination ordinance will be discussed on 15 July.
Visit https://bit.ly/2N1IxpW to view the petition to the UK Government. It has been signed by more than 215,000, well past the threshold of 100,000 to be considered for a parliamentary debate.
To see the local group's aims, go to instagram/com/guernsagainstdiscrimination.
