How to help teach children about Black History Month

Nexus Fostering is Celebrating Black History Month.

A group of our colleague's and foster families at Nexus Fostering have shared what Black History Month means to them and have chosen some of their favourite books to share that have inspired them and left a lasting memory. Many influential books have been listed that will help educate children, young people and adults on the meaning and importance of Black History Month. 

Small Island by Andrea Levy.

Andrea Levy (1956 – 2019) was born in Highbury, London, to Jamaican parents. She won the 2004 Orange Prize for fiction for her book, and Andrea said I am not telling it from only a Jamaican point of view; I want to tell stories from the black and white experience. It is a shared history.

This book was chosen by our Area Manager Brigitte, who says,

I'm an avid reader and love books that leave a lasting impression. I have read this book several times and seen the play at the National Theatre. It is a book I always return to. It's a simple love story of the Windrush generation, how difficult it was for the first generation when they first came to the country, and how they overcame their challenges.  It reminds me of my own story, my parents, and what they experienced when they came to England.

Ugly by Constance Briscoe.

This book has been chosen by Lisa, one of our placement officers, and Ugly by Constance Briscoe (May 1957 – present). Constance is a former barrister and was one of the first black female recorders in England and Wales.  Constance has been controversial since she wrote her book, but her narrative remains powerful. Lisa said, "I read this book at a pinnacle time as a teenager who was struggling to find my place in the world. Reading both the first and second book in this sequel opened me up to a different experience and life than my own and showed that with hard work I could succeed. This book remains in my personal library to this day and whenever I feel a bit trodden on by society, I turn to Constance to show me persistence prevails."

To Kill A Mockingbird and Roots.

These books were both chosen by Keni, who couldn't decide between the two! Although both were written many years ago, they remain classics. Keni grew up as part of a fostering household.

Alex Haley (1921 – 1992). Haley won a special Pulitzer Prize for the work he completed, and his work has been made twice into a tv mini-series. 

Harper Lee's (1926- 2016) 1960's novel has been taught as part of school literacy and has become a classic of modern American Literature. She also won a Pulitzer Prize. Keni says, "When I was younger, I remember Black History Month being important in our house, even when it seemed like other predominantly white spaces around me at the time didn't give it the same attention".  

Now, as an adult, I can reflect on the importance of Black History Month being present when I was younger. During these months, I was handed down a copy of Roots from my older sister, who had been given it by our mum, a note from her still graces the inside of the cover.

I also remember reading To Kill a Mockingbird and trying to understand the injustice as a young person, still naive to the fact that racism still very much existed in our society and that it was up to all of us to support eachother and be more proactive in challenging racism. It is not enough to say I am not racist; it is about digging inside yourself and asking how I am contributing to changing the narrative. The reality hasn't stopped; racism still exists, and that's why it's important for foster careers to celebrate black history month with all children so they will hopefully grow up to be the supportive allies black people need, just like I needed growing up.

A Life in Football by Ian Wright 

This book was chosen by Nazret, one of our supervising social workers.
Ian Wright (1963-present) is a well-known British footballer and television personality.  He was awarded an OBE in 2000, and his book has been a Sunday Times Bestseller. Nazret says, "As a child, Ian suffered hardship and abuse at the hands of his step-father. He also spent time in prison during his early adulthood. This book shows how just one person can influence a change in a young person's life; for Ian, it was his football coach. Young people need someone to believe in them and that's why I became a social worker."

Autistic and black by Kala Omeiza 

Emma, one of our care-experienced supervising social workers, chose this book, which explores the intersectional experiences of being black and autistic. It follows real-life experiences. Kala Omeiza is a best-selling author who advocates for neurodiversity, and she was shortlisted for Forbes Under 30 Social Impact Finalist in 2023.

Emma says, "an extremely thought-provoking read. The story of a variety of black autistic people around the world highlighting the hard-hitting truths of the barriers they face. This important book recognises that far too often, Black autistic people's voices are not listened to or uplifted. Black people are less likely to be able to receive a diagnosis; they usually face more criticism and scalding and are treated far more harshly for their autistic traits than others within society.

Comic style books for children and young people

Avril, one of our clinicians who works with our foster carers and who is the mother of two boys, chose not one but five children's books! The books between them represent being the best you can be, what it is like to be an outsider, the brief history of Britain and what most children love in comic book-style writing.

Avril said, "It's really important that children and young people have access to books that represent their history and who they are. I have really enjoyed reading these books within my family."

Find out more about Black History Month - Black History Month | Nexus Fostering