Students at Hockerill Anglo-European College celebrate Black History Month with concert
Students at Hockerill Anglo-European College in Bishop’s Stortford marked Black History Month with a Heritage Harmonies concert.
The inaugural event, judged a “resounding success”, was organised by sixth-form senior prefects Benjamin George-Oppong, Awa Isa Jagana and Morenike Sodunola.
Supported by the music department and other staff, the pupils planned the concert as “a tribute to the innumerable black activists, writers and advocates who paved the way for Black History Month” and as a celebration of the Dunmow Road secondary’s diverse community.
Students from Years 7 to 13 performed music, dance and poetry in front of a packed house. The varied programme included music from Stormzy and the film Harriet about Harriet Tubman, the American abolitionist and social activist who established the Underground Railroad to rescue slaves.
There was also poetry by literary giant Maya Angelou and heartfelt verse written by students.
One pupil summed up: “There was a lot of amazing talent, and it celebrated black culture and history very well. It was informative as well as entertaining. I hope they do it again next year.”
One parent added: “It felt like the first time my child (and me as a parent) felt fully seen, included and accepted in a school community.”
The event also raised money for the Sickle Cell Society.