Black History Month @ GCC

This post was published on the 5th November 2009
Written by Zaibun Arab
Published in the marketing blog

The Student Union arranged a fun filled pack of activities to mark Black History Month in October where students and staff took part in discussions and workshops.

Debbie Dixon a Director and facilitator of Team Steps Ltd was invited to hold an interactive workshop called “Who am I?” Students took part in a debate exploring the importance of identity. A lively discussion between students included a number of issues such as skin colour, how students dressed, their culture, level of education, gender etc. Wearing certain clothes and talking in a certain way was one of the discussion points in the workshop. Students saw society playing a key role “... in the way we dress and speak which forms part of our identity…”, but Debbie argued “Why should you change your image & the way you talk because of society…..?”

Nelio Rodrigues who conducts the Enrichment programme at GCC held a Capoeira workshop and presentation. The short presentation gave an insight to the 400 year old martial art that blends music, dance, singing and acrobatics to create a holistic approach to teaching self-defence. He explained to students that this Afro- Brazilian art form/martial art originated from times of slavery in the 16th Century Brazil. After the presentation students had a chance to play instruments and watch the Capoeira martial art in action. Click to email if you would like more information about Capoeira.

The Nubian Sunshine & Dogon Music held a workshop encouraging students and staff to dance and play the drums that ‘...weaves the tapestry of a rich tradition of storytelling in West Africa’. It was explained that the drums were used to tell stories and also communicate messages from one location to another. Today drumming is seen as part of meditation because the mind focuses on breathing whilst the hands focus on the beating of the drums. For more information visit www.dogonmusic.co.uk

The Learning Resource Centre had a book displayed for students and staff to look at and borrow. There was a slide show that presented images and blurbs of famous black historical iconic figures such as Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Jesse Jackson.