Designed for KS3 and KS4, these audio resources combine storytelling, history, and discussion to support meaningful Black History Month learning.
Each section includes key figures, short audio biographies, and questions to encourage reflection and deeper understanding.
THEIR SERVICE, OUR HISTORY
Black British Military History – Audio Resource
For generations, Black men and women served on Britain’s frontlines — in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Their courage and contribution were vital, yet their stories are often overlooked.
🎧 Listen and Learn
Walter Tull — 🎧 Listen to this story
One of the first Black British Army officers and a pioneering footballer.
Johnny Smythe — 🎧 Listen to this story
RAF navigator who flew dangerous missions and survived wartime captivity.
Ulric Cross — 🎧 Listen to this story
Decorated airman who later supported independence movements in Africa.
David Clemetson — 🎧 Listen to this story
One of the few Black commissioned officers serving in the First World War.
Richard ‘Dickie’ Barr — 🎧 Listen to this story
Royal Navy veteran continuing the long tradition of Black sailors in Britain.
Lilian Bader — 🎧 Listen to this story
One of the first Black women to serve in the British Armed Forces, repairing aircraft in WWII.
🧠 Key Message
Black contributions to Britain’s wars were courageous, significant, and often overlooked.
💬 Discussion Question
Why is it important to include these stories in Britain’s national history?
PRIDE IN OUR ROOTS
Black Presence in Britain – Audio Resource
Black history in Britain spans centuries. These individuals show that Black presence and influence in Britain is longstanding and deeply rooted.
🎧 Listen and Learn
Mary Seacole — 🎧 Listen to this story
Nurse and businesswoman who cared for soldiers during the Crimean War.
John Edmonstone — 🎧 Listen to this story
Formerly enslaved man who taught Charles Darwin key skills in taxidermy.
Dido Elizabeth Belle — 🎧 Listen to this story
A woman of African descent raised in Georgian aristocracy, challenging social norms.
Fanny Eaton — 🎧 Listen to this story
Jamaican-born model who became a prominent muse in Pre-Raphaelite art.
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor — 🎧 Listen to this story
Composer who blended African, Caribbean, and European musical traditions.
George Bridgetower — 🎧 Listen to this story
Virtuoso violinist who performed with Beethoven.
🧠 Key Message
Black people have been part of Britain’s history for centuries.
💬 Discussion Question
What surprises you about these stories? Why do you think they are less well known?
POWER IN PROTEST
Black British Activism – Audio Resource
Across Britain, Black activists organised, resisted, and challenged injustice. Their actions helped reshape laws, communities, and opportunities, leaving a lasting legacy of change.
🎧 Listen and Learn
Altheia Jones-LeCointe — 🎧 Listen to this story
Leader in the British Black Panther movement who organised communities and challenged systemic racism.
Claudia Jones — 🎧 Listen to this story
Journalist and activist who founded Notting Hill Carnival and championed Black culture in Britain.
Mavis Best — 🎧 Listen to this story
Led the Scrap the Sus campaign, fighting discriminatory policing laws.
Paul Stephenson — 🎧 Listen to this story
Key figure in the Bristol Bus Boycott, challenging racial discrimination in employment.
Roy Hackett — 🎧 Listen to this story
Organiser of the Bristol Bus Boycott who worked to end the colour bar in public services.
Olive Morris — 🎧 Listen to this story
Community activist who fought for housing rights, racial equality, and women’s liberation.
🧠 Key Message
Protest has been central to challenging injustice and creating change in British society.
💬 Discussion Question
How can ordinary people make a difference through protest and activism?
TRUTH TO POWER
Global Black Voices and Leadership – Audio Resource
Across the world, Black leaders and thinkers challenged oppression and inspired change through activism, faith, and creativity.
🎧 Listen and Learn
Amy Ashwood Garvey — 🎧 Listen to this story
Pan-African activist and co-founder of the UNIA.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu — 🎧 Listen to this story
Key moral voice against apartheid in South Africa.
Martin Luther King Jr — 🎧 Listen to this story
Leader of the US civil rights movement.
Nina Simone — 🎧 Listen to this story
Musician who used her art to protest injustice.
W. E. B. Du Bois — 🎧 Listen to this story
Scholar and advocate for Pan-African unity.
🧠 Key Message
Speaking truth to power can inspire global change.
💬 Discussion Question
What does “speaking truth to power” mean today?
STANDING FIRM IN PARLIAMENT
Black British Political Leadership – Audio Resource
Black leaders in politics have worked to make Britain more equal and representative, bringing community voices into positions of power.
🎧 Listen and Learn
Diane Abbott — 🎧 Listen to this story
Britain’s first Black woman MP.
Paul Boateng — 🎧 Listen to this story
First Black Cabinet Minister.
Baroness Valerie Amos — 🎧 Listen to this story
First Black woman in the Cabinet and UN leader.
Doreen Lawrence — 🎧 Listen to this story
Campaigner for justice following the murder of her son Stephen Lawrence.
Lord Herman Ouseley — 🎧 Listen to this story
Led the Commission for Racial Equality and Kick It Out.
David Pitt — 🎧 Listen to this story
Pioneering doctor and political figure.
🧠 Key Message
Representation in politics is vital for fairness and equality.
💬 Discussion Question
Why is it important that Parliament reflects the diversity of the country?
CREATIVITY. COURAGE. CHANGE.
Black British Arts and Culture – Audio Resource
Black British creatives have shaped culture through music, literature, publishing, and art—challenging perceptions and inspiring new generations.
🎧 Listen and Learn
Benjamin Zephaniah — 🎧 Listen to this story
Poet and activist known for powerful spoken word.
Stormzy — 🎧 Listen to this story
Artist and activist influencing music and education.
Margaret Busby — 🎧 Listen to this story
Britain’s first Black woman publisher.
Lubaina Himid — 🎧 Listen to this story
Turner Prize-winning visual artist.
Edward Enninful — 🎧 Listen to this story
Editor who transformed British Vogue.
Trevor Nelson — 🎧 Listen to this story
Broadcaster and champion of Black British music.
🧠 Key Message
Creativity can challenge stereotypes and inspire pride.
💬 Discussion Question
How can creativity influence society?
