News / Racism
New series explores pupils’ experiences of racism and discrimination in schools
Teacher perceptions are seen as the biggest barrier to educational success, according to a 2020 report by the YMCA.
A Bristol team is seeking to tackle this through the release of a new series of short films aimed at people working within schools that examine pupils’ experiences of racism and discrimination and provide resources on how to be an effective ally.
Somina ‘Mena’ Fombo, the co-director Blak Wave Productions, says talking to students about their experiences of racism in school was both disheartening and inspiring.
is needed now More than ever
“Disheartening because they spoke of the same things I experienced in school over 25 years ago, little had changed,” says Mena.
“But inspiring because these young people were fearless in vocalising their experiences and their needs to help future generations, they were hopeful that teachers could also grow and they wanted to support that.
“For anyone who needs a spark of inspiration and insight, we hope these films do just that – and positively challenge educators to take ownership of their own learning journeys.”
Mena Fombo and Michael Jenkins of Blak Wave have created the new series on how to be an ally in education – photo courtesy of Blak Wave
Mena continues: “We really have to work collaboratively to change the narrative regarding the experiences of all young people of colour in schools, we have a responsibility to do better for them, and we hope this resource is embraced by schools as one of many tools they use to do this.
“The voices of young people were our priority here and, following our research with students, we worked with educators to pull together these top tips to ensure it was authentic.”
Launched in 2019 by Mena and Michael Jenkins, Blak Wave is an independent film company committed to producing film and TV that better reflects our society, giving a voice to unheard voices and telling untold stories.
The new series, produced for the BBC, includes tips from students on how everyone can be better allies – in short, someone who helps and supports someone else – and forging a truly inclusive educational experience for all.
Students spoke of their experiences of racism in school for the series – photo courtesy of Blak Wave
Some of the themes running through the films include the perceptions and language used to describe black and mixed heritage students, with many saying they have been labelled ‘aggressive’, ‘intimidating’, or ‘threatening’ for things such as standing in big groups or dressing in a certain way.
“We grow up believing that our voices aren’t worthy of being heard, and that our struggles aren’t what people want to hear,” said one secondary school student.
Aisha Thomas says need to allow ourselves to move beyond stereotypes – photo by Harry Lloyd Evans
Aisha Thomas is assistant principal at City Academy and founder of Representation Matters. Welcoming the new series, she says: “We are at a time where educators are very aware of the systemic racism that exists in the education system and yet they often feel ill-equipped, they feel constrained and they genuinely feel there’s a lack of knowledge. However, what they want more than anything is to be able to be an ally to their peers and to the students and what this resource does is it provides the opportunity for you to just get started.
“We need to allow ourselves to move beyond stereotypes and celebrate to beauty and diversity of our classrooms and our society.”
The films encourage educators to listen, seek information, knowledge and understanding and to take action against racism.
As SENCO, deputy mental health leader and founder of No More Exclusions Bristol, Lana Crosby says: “Racism is illegal – when you see it, stop it.”
Students have shared tips on how to be an effective ally – photo courtesy of Blak Wave
Speaking about why it was important for him to create the films, Michael Jenkins adds: “As a father, you want to know your children are protected and supported in school. We created this resource because it’s essential that educators do see protecting our children from racism as a form of safeguarding.”
Main photo courtesy of Blak Wave
Read more: School exclusions: The young people at risk of slipping through the cracks
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