Suffolk community group's anti-racism workshops praised by schools

Stephen Higgins hopes to see more conversations about "how we eradicate racism from society"

A series of workshops in schools, set up after the death of George Floyd, has been praised by teachers.

Over the last year, Bury St Edmunds for Black Lives (BSE4BL) - a not-for-profit community group in Suffolk - has held racism awareness sessions in five schools for children aged nine to 18.

Chair Stephen Higgins said pupils wanted "to talk about something that actually makes a difference".

Head teacher Vanessa Whitcombe said it had helped "challenge their thinking".

The sessions, aimed at teachers and pupils, combat racism and prejudices and use drama to explore subjects.

Mr Higgins said they discussed subjects such as the inappropriate use of derogatory language, and "getting their names mixed up with other black pupils, having their hair touched".

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"[Feedback] has been brilliant - students have reported going back and having difficult conversations with parents which is the point, so we're really glad that's happening," he added.

"There was one pupil who came up to me after a talk about the different methods you can choose to respond with when you're being dealt with unfairly.

"He said it would be great to have more sessions on real life."

Ms Whitcombe, head teacher at Castle Manor Academy, said the group had delivered "excellent" assemblies, workshops and theatre with its students.

"They have supported young people in our school to understand real examples of racism, challenge their thinking and understand their responsibilities in speaking out and challenging racism," she said.

Group founder Evelyn Polk said the anti-racism workshops in schools had been "very powerful"

BSE4BL hopes to expand the workshops to more schools in the future, and is also hosting its second arts event with musicians, artists, poets, dancers and visual artists.

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Founder Evelyn Polk said the event - called Sounds of Colour - was for "everybody".

"It's a celebration of black talent from our region," she said.

"I don't think there's a better way of bringing communities together than through music."

BSE4BL chair Stephen Higgins will also be performing at Sounds of Colour with his reggae band Rebel Unit