'Black History Month' 2023: celebrating our sisters

Every October since 1987 the UK has celebrated Black History Month.

It’s an opportunity to celebrate the continued achievements and contributions of Black people to the UK and around the world. It’s also a time for continued action to tackle racism; to reflect upon, foster a deeper understanding and reclaim Black history; and ensure Black history is represented and celebrated all year round.

What’s this year’s theme?

This year a new theme has been launched: 'Saluting our Sisters' The aim of this theme is to empower people to take action, to remind people of the black women, who've had contributions ignored, ideas appropriated and voices silenced. It recognises that we must acknowledge and learn from the past, but the past can’t be the sole focus. It’s the future that we need to improve, and it’s action that’s required.

Who are Aspire’s Black sporting heroes?

To celebrate Black History Month, we’re shining a light on the incredible sporting stars who have inspired us.

Serena Williams

Sport: Tennis

Serena Williams has won 73 career singles titles, 23 doubles titles and two mixed doubles titles.

This includes 39 Grand Slam titles. With 23 of these being singles titles, she has won the most Grand Slam singles titles by any player in the Open Era, and the second most of all time.

Simone Biles

Sport: Gymnastics

Simone Biles has won seven Olympic medals, 4 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze. With 25 World Championship medals, Biles is the most decorated gymnast in world championships history.

And it’s not just Simone’s sporting strength that’s inspiring. At the Tokyo Olympics, Biles withdrew from the women’s all-around gymnastics final to prioritise her mental health. By highlighting the importance of looking after your wellbeing, she’s an inspiration to many.

Speaking at a press conference, Biles said: “I say put mental health first because if you don’t then you’re not going to enjoy your sport and you’re not going to succeed as much as you want to.

“So it’s OK sometimes to even sit out the big competitions to focus on yourself because it shows how strong of a competitor and person that you really are, rather than just battle through it.”

Nicola Adams

Sport: Boxer

Winning gold at London 2012, Nicola Adams was the first female boxer to become an Olympic champion. Adams then became the first double Olympic champion when she won a second gold medal at Rio 2016.

In 2016, Adams was the reigning Olympic, World and European Games champion at flyweight. At the 5th annual British LGBT Awards in 2019, Adams received the Sports Personality Award. Adams retired aged 37 with an undefeated record.

Dame Kelly Holmes

Sport: Middle-distance runner

Dame Kelly Holmes won gold in the 800m and 1500m at the Athens Olympics in 2004. Holmes has set British records in multiple events. She held the British 800 metre record until 2021, but still holds the records over the 600, and 1,000 metre distances.

Holmes is a mental health campaigner and charity founder, having set up the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust in 2008. The charity’s purpose is:

“We are here to equip young people with the positive behaviours and mindset they need to tackle the disadvantage they face due to inequality in their everyday lives. Our programmes improve their wellbeing, help them build healthy relationships and unlock the confidence, self-esteem and resilience needed to achieve in education, work and life.”

Claressa Shields

Sport: Boxing

Claressa Shields is an American boxing phenom renowned for her resilience and exceptional skill. Making history at 17, she became the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing at the 2012 London Games. Shields secured a second gold in 2016, solidifying her status as an amateur great.

Transitioning to the professional scene in 2016, Shields swiftly claimed world titles, becoming the undisputed middleweight and light middleweight champion. Beyond her boxing prowess, she's an advocate for gender equality and social justice. Shields' journey from Flint to global acclaim makes her an enduring symbol of strength and excellence in women's boxing.

Shaunae Miller-Uibo

Sport: Sprinter

Shaunae Miller-Uibo is a dynamic figure in track and field. Her journey began with remarkable sprinting talent in the Caribbean and culminated in Olympic glory at the 2016 Rio Games, where she secured gold in the 400m with a memorable dive at the finish line. What makes her exceptional is her versatility, excelling not only in the 400m but also the 200m and 4x400m relay. Known for her consistent excellence and positive sportsmanship, Miller-Uibo's legacy is firmly established as she inspires future sprinters to dream big.

How can your primary school celebrate Black History Month?

There’s lots of resources available you can use to raise awareness, explore and celebrate Black history, culture, heritage, contributions and achievements with your pupils.

TES

TES have hand-picked a selection of resources that include activities, worksheets, lessons, assemblies and display resources. Explore the resources here

Twinkl

In addition to their existing 5000+ resources, Twinkl are creating ‘Black Representation in the Curriculum’  a new whole-school primary curriculum designed to fit seamlessly into your core teaching, so you can study, explore and celebrate Black stories all year round.