We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to be successful. As a school we pledge an unswerving commitment to improve, accelerate and enable ambitious life goals for all young people. We want everyone in our school to feel proud of who they are!
This is why we consider Black History Month to be an important time of the year that should be celebrated by all. It represents the celebration of the contributions that Black people have made over the centuries in shaping the world we inhabit today. In this year's celebrations, we pay tribute to the remarkable contributions Black Women have had in history.
While we acknowledge that numerous Black women have left a profound impact on the world we live in today, we want to share with you a certain woman that inspires us.
"Maya Angelou"
For those who don’t know who Maya Angelou is, she was a strong woman with a broad career as a singer, dancer, actress, composer, and Hollywood's first female Black director. However, she’s most known for being a writer, editor, civil rights activist, and poet. As evidenced by her extensive accomplishments, Maya Angelou achieved much in her lifetime, but she was primarily recognised as a spokesperson. Over her lifetime she received over 50 honorary degrees before her passing in May 2014.
Maya Angelou's words touched the hearts of countless people, not only in America but across the globe. Her most popular work, published in 1969, was the book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." While this book is about Angelou's struggles between the ages of three and seven, particularly in the face of racism and self-affirmation, it is her poetry that truly inspires us, particularly the poem "Still I Rise."
“Still I Rise” is about self-respect and confidence. In the poem, Angelou reveals how she will overcome anything through her self-esteem. She shows how nothing can get her down. She will rise to any occasion and nothing, not even her skin colour, will hold her back.
Among Maya's verses in this poem, one in particular inspires us:
"You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise."
We are massively inspired by this verse it is truly inspiring, emphasising how Maya Angelou could not be fazed by hurtful words, obvious glances, or spiteful intentions. It underscores the importance of self-confidence.
It serves as a reminder that people's judgments in various forms – through words, looks, and general spite shouldn’t knock us down because at the end of the day, you are uniquely you, and that's something to cherish.
No matter what you do.
No matter who you are.
No matter what you believe.
No matter where your from
You are you. Love yourself.
We extend our gratitude to Maya Angelou for her contributions in shaping the world to its current state, and may this remarkable woman rest in peace.
We hope you find this tribute moving, and we invite you to share with us which Black women in history have been your inspiration. Please share your thoughts in the comments below!