HARROW

Radio presenter, comedian and former Harrow College student Geoff Schumann came to the College on 24th October to give a lively and thought provoking talk. The talk was part of a series of events planned as part of Black History Month.

Geoff discussed the importance of understanding black history which in his experience as a former history teacher, is often overlooked in education. He stressed the importance of black history being for everyone to better understand our cultures and who we all are as well as encouraging respect and understanding.

As a former history teacher Geoff gave a synopsis on the history of European culture being disseminated in Africa in the colonial era and the effects this has on modern day society. He also touched on gang violence and the importance of recognising the positive stories about young people which are often overlooked by the media.

Geoff shared his thoughts on growing up as a black person in the 1970s and how he felt his culture wasn't represented in the society he grew up in, particularly in the media where black people were only portrayed in limited roles, if at all. Geoff was keen to point out how things have changed and how his childhood experiences were very different to the experiences of young black people today but that it's important to understand the past. Many of the media images were unfamiliar to the students and they were keen to find out more proving that this was a great educational opportunity as well as an entertaining talk from the award winning comedian.

Student experience co-ordinator, Sandie Petrie commented: "The students who came to the talk thoroughly enjoyed Geoff's laid back and easy style. His talk was thought provoking and showed how far society has progressed since the 1970's and how black role models are more available to young people growing up in Britain today."