Black History Month: Blue light service representatives shared their experiences and enlightened schoolchildren during ‘fantastic’ visits celebrating Black History Month.
Nottinghamshire Police Youth Outreach Worker Romel Davis and Police and Community Support Officer Nathan Duffus were accompanied by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Sonny (Derek Roberts) and East Midlands Ambulance Service’s Marcia Brown as they visited Hempshill Hall Primary School in Bulwell and Claremont Primary and Nursery School in Carrington.
Sally Dakin, headteacher at Hempshill Hall, said: “They did a whole school assembly, talked about why they were here, what they do and the different aspects of job roles in each of the emergency services.
“It was a fantastic experience for the children who were very engaged and there were lots of hands up from interested pupils wanting to ask questions.
“In our school we don’t have a huge amount of black or ethnic minority role models so it’s really important we get visitors in so our children get a true reflection of society.
“We also asked the children to bring in their homework based on a project about inspiring black people they know.
“Some of the pupils’ work has been focused on their own family members, including some who have worked for the police, and also sports people and famous people. All their work, including posters they created, has gone on display in our library.
“The day after the emergency service workers gave their assembly a lot more of our children brought in their homework which was another sign of how well the visit went.”
Pupils at both schools also learned about emergency calls made to the respective services and the numbers to ring in an emergency.
Romel said: “We talked about our roles and wanted to show the young people role models working within the emergency services who reflect them.
“The impact and reaction from the young people was amazing and it was great to have enthusiastic representatives from all three emergency services together to engage with the schools and inspire the children. I’d like to say a massive thank you to them for their support.”
A series of activities celebrating Black History Month and highlighting the importance of equality and diversity has been launched by Nottinghamshire Police.
In supporting Black History Month, we will bringing to light the contribution Black people have made – and continue to make – to policing in our communities as well as highlighting the important operational roles equality and diversity play in helping us deliver the best service across Nottinghamshire.
We will be running a series of features and profiles throughout the month to highlight some of the work we have been doing on a local and national basis.
Another Black history event is being held tomorrow (Saturday 8 October), 1pm-4pm, at the Brendon Lawrence Sports Centre, Hungerhill Road, St Ann’s (NG3 4NB).
The event will include a live DJ, entertainment, free Caribbean food and refreshments, free sports and activities, stalls, a free raffle with amazing prizes and much more.
People can turn up on the day. There’s no need to register but people are advised to come early to avoid disappointment.
