Good afternoon, everyone. Today marks the first assembly of UK Black History Month. Today, I want to talk about something incredibly important—not just during Black History Month, but for all of us to consider throughout the year. The theme for today is ‘Reclaiming the Narrative,’ and we’ll explain what that means, why it matters, and how it shapes our understanding of history and identity.

Stories are powerful. They shape how we see the world and understand ourselves. But imagine if your story was told by someone else—someone who didn’t know your experiences, who misunderstood your struggles, and who ignored your successes. Unfortunately, this is the reality that many Black communities have faced for centuries. 

Their stories, experiences, and contributions have been erased, misrepresented, or told from a perspective that doesn’t truly reflect their truth. There is an old African proverb that states “until the lion learns to write, the story will always glorify the hunter.” This is obviously metaphorical, but it still speaks volumes about how easy it is to take stories at face value, and how the first to tell it will always have a narrative advantage. 

When we talk about ‘reclaiming the narrative,’ we’re talking about taking control of how stories are told. For a long time, many stories of Black people were told by others—by people who didn’t experience the struggles, triumphs, or cultures firsthand. Often, these stories were incomplete or even distorted, presenting Black people as victims rather than agents of change. Reclaiming the narrative means telling those stories from an authentic perspective—giving voice to Black people to share their own experiences

Why Does It Matter?

It matters because the stories we hear shape how we see the world and ourselves. For too long, Black history has been oversimplified or reduced to a few key moments—slavery, the civil rights movement, and sometimes, that’s where it ends in people’s minds. But Black history is rich and varied. It’s a history of inventors, leaders, artists, and everyday people who have made incredible contributions to the world.

How We Can Contribute?

Reclaiming the narrative isn’t just for Black people; it’s for all of us. By supporting authentic storytelling—whether it’s in history books, movies, music, or art—we help create a more accurate and complete picture of the world. We can all be allies in this work by amplifying Black voices and challenging incomplete or biased stories when we encounter them.

One powerful example of reclaiming the narrative comes from Nigerian author Chimamanda 

(Chim-Aman-Da) Adichie (Adee-chee). In her famous TED Talk titled ‘The Danger of a Single Story,’ she talks about how people’s understanding of others can be limited if they only hear one version of a story.

Adichie shares her own experience of moving to the United States and realising that many people there had a very narrow view of Africa—a view shaped by stories of poverty and conflict alone. In her words, ‘The single story creates stereotypes. And the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.’

Through her novels, like ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ and ‘Americanah,’ Adichie tells complex, multi-dimensional stories about African life—stories that challenge the simplified narratives often told in the media. She reclaims the narrative by showing the richness of Nigerian culture, history, and the experiences of African people both at home and in the diaspora.

Her work reminds us that reclaiming the narrative isn’t just about correcting falsehoods, but about adding depth, complexity, and humanity to the stories that have been flattened by stereotypes.

As we reflect on the theme of reclaiming the narrative, it’s important to remember that stories are powerful. They shape how we see ourselves, how we see others, and how we understand the world. For too long, the voices of many—especially Black voices—have been left out, silenced, or misrepresented. But today, we have the opportunity to change that.

So, as we leave today, let’s commit to being curious, to listening, and to supporting the stories that matter. Together, we can help ensure that everyone’s story is heard, respected, and valued. Thank you.

Written by Tise & Isaac