During our recent collective worship, we explored the importance of Black History and its significance in today’s world. This year, our theme was “Standing firm in Power and Pride.” We celebrated many significant people who have made a difference in lots of different ways — those who have shown courage, leadership, creativity, and determination to bring about positive change.

We learned that Power represents the influence, leadership, and capacity to make a positive difference. It acknowledges the visionaries who have led political, civil rights, and social movements, as well as those who have broken barriers in business, education, and the arts. Their legacies remind us that true power is not about titles, but about the collective strength, courage, and unity used to build a fairer and more equitable future for all.

We also thought about Pride and how it reflects cultural identity, heritage, and the celebration of Black excellence. From art and music to stories passed through generations, pride is the heartbeat of Black communities around the world. It’s about knowing where we come from, embracing our history, and walking confidently into the future without compromise or apology. Pride is a celebration of beauty, resilience, and the incredible contributions of Black culture to the world.

We then reflected on what we are all proud of and how this sense of pride can make us powerful too. We talked about how our achievements today — whether big or small — can have a lasting impact on our futures. The children shared thoughtful and inspiring examples of what makes them proud, and how standing firm in their own power and pride can help them to make a positive difference in the world, whatever they aspire to be! Some of these wonderful reflections are shared below.