Body Text Images:
Selma star throws his weight behind campaign ahead of Feb 10 closing date
ACTOR DAVID Oyelowo is backing Black History in Primary Schools – days before the deadline is up for the campaign to reach a crucial 100,000 signatures.
Oyelowo, who plays the role of Martin Luther King Jr in the recently released film Selma, talked about his support for the campaign during an interview with The Africa Channel.
The black history project has been launched in Birmingham by crusading mum Stephanie Pitter who is urging everyone to sign an e-petition to make black history a mandatory element of UK primary education.
In order for the issue to be discussed in Parliament, there must be 100,000 names on the petition by 12 noon on Tuesday February 10. So far it’s around the half way mark, but campaigners are confident there will be a rush of names added over the final few days.
When asked about the importance of adding black history to the curriculum, Oyelowo said: “I think it’s more than important. I think it is invaluable. Black people are part of the fabric of this nation.
“We pride ourselves on now being a multicultural society. It’s outmoded and outdated to remove black history from schools – it’s a very real part of British history and culture.”
DRIVING FORCE: Stephanie Pitter with two of her children Zynai, left, and Yvene
The British-born classically trained actor, who previously starred in the film The Butler and Lincoln has received a Golden Globe best actor nomination for his portrayal of civil rights icon Luther King Jr in Selma.
Mum-of-four Stephanie decided to launch the campaign after one of her children was racially abused in school, which she put down to other children’s ignorance of the African and Caribbean community’s contributions to Britain and the rest of the world.
A former social worker and school governor, she is a popular choice in Birmingham schools as a voluntary teacher of black history.
She said: “It’s very important that black history is not dominated by slavery where black people are seen as victims. There is so much that has been invented and created by black people down the centuries. They have helped to shape key events in our world history, but these often go unnoticed.”
Stephanie, who has written to Prime Minister David Cameron and Schools Minister Nick Gibb, is determined to see progress made on the issue even if the signatures fall short of the 100,000 mark.
To sign the petition before February 10 visit: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/60635 [3]