Eastern Education Group hosted a number of activities across October in support of Black History Month.
Sessions that took place in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich looked at leadership, media and Windrush – and students from West Suffolk College, One Sixth Form College and the University Professional Development Centre were involved.
One of the sessions saw Eli Turay, a BBC DJ who is also a music producer and media lecturer reflect on the topic of ‘local heroes on your doorstep’.
He also spoke to a group of music students about historical and present day figures who have made an impact in the worlds of TV, film and music.
Eli said: “Black History Month is a spotlight for the community and a chance to open your mind to the experience of others.”
Sonny Watson, 17, from Long Melford is on a music production course. Sonny said: “It was a really good talk that kept my interest the whole way through.”
Oscar Cartwright, 17, from Hawstead is on the same course as Sonny. Oscar said: “It was interesting finding out about influential people in Suffolk. The thing I took away is to be inclusive and delve in to all parts of history.”
Piers Alexander is an equality, diversity and inclusion lead for the group. Piers said: “Black History Month is a celebration and recognition of black achievement and an important moment to honour the stories that shape our communities. It opens space for reflection, understanding and connection — work that continues long after October ends.”
Ellisha Soanes helped set up many of the sessions. Ellisha – a former West Suffolk College lecturer and the Co Director of Aspire Black Suffolk said: I’m so thrilled that we’ve been able to deliver our Proud2Be workshops across East Anglia, reaching over 900 students and embedding Black history, culture, and heritage into further education.”
“These workshops go beyond teaching history — they connect industry experience with personal growth, giving students the chance to learn directly from experts in the field. It’s
about helping students across areas such as health and social care, early years, the arts, ESOL, and the built environment to build confidence, gain real industry insight and create pathways for their futures.”
