Black Sections ‘Anti-Racist Education Charter’

About this item

This document is the draft of the "Anti-Racist Education Charter" created by the Labour Party Black Sections in 1989. It outlines demands for a fair and inclusive education system that recognizes the history and contributions of Black people, and calls for active measures to combat racism in schools. The charter is an important expression of Black British political activism aimed at transforming education through anti-racist principles.

Key points:
– The charter demands an education free from apology for Black children and students, emphasizing the right to anti-racist teaching and equal opportunities.
– It calls for the curriculum to include the history of British imperialism and colonization alongside achievements of Black people globally.
– There are proposals for recruitment of Black and bi/multilingual staff, inclusion of Black perspectives at all levels, and anti-racist teacher training.
– The charter insists on at least 10% Black teaching staff, black representation in school governance, and the dismissal of racist teachers.
– It advocates for support systems for victims of racial harassment and the autonomous organization of Black students and teachers.

The Labour Party Black Sections were a key political expression of Black British communities in the 1980s, campaigning for anti-racist reforms within and beyond local government. This charter reflects broader struggles for educational equity, racial justice, and representation that intersected with Bernie Grant's activism and the emerging Black British political movements advocating for systemic change and community empowerment.

Source note: The text originates from a 1989 draft, and some formatting and punctuation irregularities suggest typical OCR challenges; however, the key points remain clear and accurate.