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MORE THAN A CELEBRATION: Stephanie Pitter with pupils at Four Dwellings Primary School in Quinton

CRUSADING MUM Stephanie Pitter is stepping up her online campaign to have black history as a mandatory element of the national UK primary school curriculum.

The mother-of-four is using Black History Month to spread her message and urge people to sign the e-petition she has organised in order to reach the crucial 100,000-name goal.

With this figure, which she hopes to reach by February 2015, it will compel upon the Government to debate the issue in Parliament.

LEGALLY

Once a petition reaches the 100,000 name mark, Parliament is legally bound to discuss the issue.

Stephanie, who is a governor at a school near her Birmingham home, and also a voluntary teacher of black history, is showing no sign of slowing down on her petition marathon.

“The signatures are being added slowly, but surely and with a good push over the next few months we could reach that goal,” said Stephanie. “At the moment we have around 22,000 names.

“I’ve nearly worn out my feet going to all kinds of events trying to spread the word, but we’re doing really well. I’ve had some wonderful message of support so we hope plenty of families will com along to the event at The Drum.

IMPORTANT

“It’s important that black history is not just about slavery, Martin Luther King or Mary Seacole.

“I’m not belittling any of these heroes, but there is so much more to our past that is simply never passed on to the next generation.

“We will never cut out racism but teaching black history in our schools will help our children to realise where they have come from and where they are going.

“It helps children from other backgrounds understand each other’s culture and that is so important in today’s world.

“It supports the spiritual, moral, social and cultural needs of all ethnic groups.”

So far some big names have signed the petition, including Liverpool and England striker Daniel Sturridge, who tweeted about the importance of signing.

Anyone wanting to sign can visit http://epetitions.direct. gov.uk/petitions/60635 or visit www.blackhistory.co.nr