This October, we celebrate Black History Month (BHM) under the theme ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’. This year’s theme invites us to reflect on the strength, resilience and pride that characterise the Black experience, and to recognise the importance of representation and leadership within our communities and organisations.
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Craige Coley, an Applied Life Sciences lecturer at Nottingham College. Below, we chatted to Craige about his Jamaican heritage, growing up in St Ann’s, and the importance of Black male representation in education:
Q: What is your heritage?
I am White and Black Caribbean (Jamaican).
How does your heritage shape your identity? Why is it important to you?
My heritage is important to me as, well, it is me. It has shaped all facets of my life from the values instilled in me by my parents such as working hard, being grateful for what we have, and showing respect to others to name a few. It influenced the culture, music, foods and activities that I was exposed to. It also impacted how I have been seen and treated by others over the years, and the way I view my place in the world - for better and worse.
What are your thoughts on Black History Month and its significance?
I have mixed feelings about Black History Month as I feel it shouldn't be confined to a single month (which unfortunately it is across most of our society), as Black history has played, and continues to play, an integral role in the world we see today. I am also keenly aware that the same could be said about other groups in Britain who are recognised at various times in the year!
Ultimately it is a positive time where we can showcase the significance, talents and culture of our people.
This year’s Black History Month theme is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’. Can you tell us something you’re proud of that links to your heritage?
I am a mixed heritage man who grew up in St Ann's in inner city Nottingham so statistically, my life options were limited. However, I have worked hard to get into a position where I can provide for my family, raise three brilliant children and play a role in developing the next generation.
My heritage plays a role in my work ethic and values as my grandfather came to the UK from Jamaica to work and provide a better life for his children before sending for my father. He in turn worked hard to provide for me. It is ingrained in us. We work hard to give the next generation more than what we had. I will raise my children to give my grandchildren a better life than what I have provided them.
Why do you think it’s important that we see more Black male teachers in the UK?
It is important as they are really underrepresented, through my own experience I only had one Black male teacher through school, sixth form, college and five years at university, so from that viewpoint more young people need to see that teaching is a role that we are capable of and bring value to. It will also inspire young Black men to consider teaching as a career option, one that can be very rewarding and [whispers] 'relatively' well paid.
I also think it is important as, particularly in Nottingham, where you have a lot of Black children in our schools and colleges, Black teachers will better understand their lives, influences, cultural differences and be better equipped to engage and support them to achieve their best. I have taught many Black students, and I 'get' them because I was them.
What do you love about your job?
I love finding out about my students, their interests, aspirations and what's important to them. I enjoy supporting their education and development and helping them to utilise their strengths and improve on their weaknesses. I want them to be able to open their minds to all the options and possibilities that they have in life. A lot of young people sell themselves short, when they are nothing short of fantastic.
