Black History Month at Wellcroft House
When I joined Wellcroft House as a student social worker in September, I knew Black History Month was just around the corner, and I wanted to create something truly meaningful. Together with Denise, one of our dedicated staff members, we brainstormed ways to make this celebration impactful for everyone. We felt that Black History Month was more than just a single event it was an opportunity to recognise, honour, and reflect on the rich history and cultural contributions of Black individuals. This led us to a plan: a major celebration that would bring everyone together while creating ongoing opportunities throughout October for learning, connection, and celebration.
Weekly Friday Celebrations
To give our community the time and space to appreciate different aspects of Black history, we decided to host activities every Friday throughout October, building up to a big event at the end of the month.
Friday, 4th October
We kicked off with a Caribbean feast prepared by Denise, who made jerk chicken and dumplings. Residents and staff enjoyed the delicious meal, with Caribbean music and reggae filling the home, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere. We ended the evening with The Princess and the Frog, Disney’s first film featuring a Black princess, a movie everyone enjoyed.
Friday, 11th October
The next Friday, we hosted an arts and crafts session, creating decorations and artwork together. Mucha, another staff member, prepared Sadza, a traditional African dish, which was a big hit. I noticed more staff members becoming curious about Black history, and to foster an open dialogue, I encouraged them to ask questions and engage in discussions with the team.
Friday, 18th October
For our third Friday, we focused on music and dance, playing music from Black communities and dancing together in a lively, shared experience. This event built excitement for our upcoming main celebration. Wellcroft House was soon decorated with banners, flags, and artwork, bringing vibrant energy into our space.
Main Event: Saturday, 26th October
The highlight of our celebrations was a community-wide event on Saturday, 26th October, where we brought together residents, staff, family members, and friends from across Progress Care. Wellcroft House was beautifully adorned with vibrant decorations, an inspirational board filled with profiles of influential Black figures, and fact sheets displayed throughout.
The day’s festivities included decorated cupcakes made by staff members’ families, and a stunning celebration cake crafted by Kath, one of our team members. Denise prepared a variety of Caribbean dishes, and the atmosphere was full of warmth and joy. We enjoyed live entertainment from a staff member’s niece, who played the keyboard and sang, adding a personal touch to the event. Outside, I ran an arts and crafts station where children painted shakers, adding to the rhythm of our celebration.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with residents, families, and staff from across Progress expressing their appreciation for the celebration and the chance to learn and reflect.
Continuing the Celebration on Teams
Throughout October, I shared stories of inspirational Black figures on our Teams platform to keep the momentum going. We highlighted individuals like Misan Harriman, the Nigerian-born British photographer and social activist known for his impactful imagery, and Mary Seacole, a Jamaican nurse celebrated for her compassionate work during the Crimean War.
As the celebrations unfolded, more staff members showed genuine interest in Black history. Many wanted to understand more about the origins and significance of Black History Month, which led to open conversations and a safe space for learning. I continued sharing insights on Teams, addressing any questions staff members had and ensuring that everyone felt comfortable engaging with the themes of the month.
Looking Ahead
With my placement at Wellcroft House ending in December, I am hopeful that the commitment to Black History Month will continue in future Octobers. This month has brought our home and staff together, fostering understanding, joy, and reflection. It’s been incredible to see how these celebrations have enriched our environment, and I am confident that Wellcroft House will carry on this tradition, honouring the rich heritage and contributions of Black individuals for years to come.