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College celebrates Black History Month

Students, staff and special guests celebrated Black Excellence at Barnet and Southgate College's Wood Street Campus on Thursday 21st October.

The event, organised and hosted by Business lecturer Yolanda Toussaint, was hugely popular with students from all departments and subject areas. 

The event started with a few words from the event host, Yolanda, and Barnet and Southgate College Principal and Deputy CEO, Neil Coker. There was music, dancing and live performances from the students, along with interactive games where prizes were given out. 

The student staff team assisted with the organisation of the event. Highlights included a professional DJ, free refreshments courtesy of Wenzels in Barnet, Alicia Bakes, Posh's Bake Shop and Mum's Kitchen, and a showcase for London-based, black-owned businesses displaying their products such as IkonBlack, Book and Kulture and brilliant artwork by Whitney Ellis. 

There was also a special guest feature from Steven Oram from Proud & Gifted, a non-profit organisation aimed at helping promote youth stories and successes.  

Black Excellence Event - Watch Now!

Students, staff and special guests celebrated Black Excellence at Barnet and Southgate College's Wood Street Campus on Thursday 21st October.

Learn more about the event!
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Yolanda Toussaint, Lecturer & Event Host

"I think the event allowed our students to feel both seen and valued. When we come together to celebrate diversity, that is, having our students come together from such diverse backgrounds, we subsequently demonstrate inclusion. We often hear terms like ‘no child left behind’ or ‘every child matters’, but how often do our young people feel that? Our event created a sense of belonging for each of our students and that was my intention." 

Live performances from the students
There was singing and spoken performances which celebrated Black Excellence
Black-owned businesses were invited
There was a showcase of products from black-owned businesses such as IkonBlack, Book and Kulture and brilliant artwork by Whitney Ellis
Good fun and positive vibes
Amongst those having the most fun were the student ambassadors who assisted with the organisation of the event

Level 3 Creative Media student, Vivian Chinedu, said:  

"I'm loving the event tonight, I've never done anything like this, so it's nice to experience this. 

My media project is about Black History Month, and the celebration of diversities. I’m trying capture things from black people’s points of view, and I'm happy to be able to do that" 

Our Principal and Deputy CEO, Neil Coker   

"What Yolanda is doing is amazing! I think it's fantastic, and why is it a month? It should be a constant thing, and we should have an atmosphere like this every day at the College because it's fantastic to see so many students enjoying themselves and celebrating.” 

Yolanda Toussaint added: 

"The message I believe was clear for students and the wider community - we will not be divided by our differences, rather we will celebrate them. 

For me as a Black Woman, I feel proud to come from such a long line of ancestral courage and fearlessness ... For example, Rosa Parks standing up for us all by refusing to give up her seat - to my Mum challenging my primary school teachers for treating me unfairly. 

Black History Month for me is a time to showcase all that is phenomenal about being black!" 

Steven Oram from the Proud & Gifted Foundation said: 

"I think this event is giving a lot to young people, because when I was at school, we never had this, so seeing today’s students giving up their time to be part of this is a massive thing. 

Proud and Gifted, started in December 2018, is a media platform which goes around the country and celebrates young people's achievements - because back then, I couldn't find a platform that celebrated young people. There's too much negative coverage of young people, so we want to show what 'real' young people are like, it's open to all cultures, but we go that extra mile for young black kids". 

Visit proudandgifted.co.uk or follow them on Instagram and Twitter