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Although already in celebration mode occasioned by achieving its 30th anniversary, the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement now has a reason to embellish the festivities due to its Imani-Day (Sat) School, the Alkebu-Lan Academy of Excellence (AAE), observing its tenth anniversary on March 17th. The following day, after lessons had concluded, past and present students and parents mingled at ARM HQ to officially mark this noteworthy stage in the school’s development – with more events planned throughout the year.
The testimonies shared by parents and pupils made it clear how valuable such institutions are, particularly when it comes to equipping our young people with a cultural grounding, while instilling a sense of pride and confidence.
Thus AAE is adding to an over fifty year tradition of so-called supplementary schools – rooted in the Black Power era (1) from from the Nana Bonsu inspired institution in Manchester in 1966 to date. (2) The story of the Black Education Movement one that encompasses some our most skilled, resourceful and committed activists – then and now. (3)
In spite of this longevity, there has yet to be a sustained programme for developing these institutions into to full-time concerns. As Birmingham based activist and scholar, Dr Kehinde Andrews put it:
“The ultimate Black radical goal of Black independent schools being nowhere on the horizon…” (3)
However, the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement has made a a tentative yet bold step in this direction by co-ordinating a home-school collective – the Ma’at Academy of Excellence (MAE). In recent years there was hope that the governments free school scheme could be used as a vehicle to establish independent institutions but the state’s vehement resistance has all but rendered this avenue closed. (4) Consequently, the recent announcement of £320m being earmarked to establish 140 more free schools, has been met with a muted response. (5)
So after 50 years of the Black Education Movement, research still places “black Caribbean and mixed white and black Caribbean” as “the two lowest achieving groups.” (6) While elsewhere, there are indications that attendance at “supplementary schools” has declined sharply since the 80s and 90s heyday, the worrying factor appears to be not that so-called mainstream schools have improved to the extent to render them unnecessary:
“A key factor for the decline in attendance, it is here argued, is that the parents whose children do attend are the ones interested in a Black curriculum, but the mass popularity of the movement was based on a critique of schooling that is no longer endorsed by the majority.” (7)
Dr Andrews, cites the shift in emphasis from “racist schools/teachers” towards ideologies of Black underachievement and cultural deprivation, endorsed by a growing cadre of “Black opinion makers,” as a key factor. In other words, the system hasn’t changed, we have.
(1) George Padmore Institute Archive Catalogue – The Black Education Movement. http://www.georgepadmoreinstitute.org/archive/collection/black-education-movement(2) The Nana Bonsu Oral History project (2014) Saturday Supplementary School. http://nanabonsu.com/education/saturday-supplementary-school/(3) Sis. Snr. Pnr. Kai Mbandaka, (2007) Excellence – And Nothing Less! Alkebu-Lan Academy opens its doors. The Whirlwind, Edition 4, p. 7(4) Kehinde N. Andrews (2010) Back to Black: Black Radicalism and the Supplementary School Movement. PhD Thesis. p. 137(5) Dominic Gover (10/01/14) Michael Gove Education Officials Branded Racist over Free School for Black Youths. http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/michael-gove-education-officials-branded-racist-over-free-school-black-youths-1431818(6) Rob Merrick (07/03/17) Theresa May defies ‘free schools’ programme criticism by vowing to build 140 more. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/theresa-may-free-school-prgramme-waste-money-criticism-build-140-more-budget-2017-education-a7614671.html(7) Professor Steve Strand (2015) Ethnicity, deprivation and educational achievement at age 16 in England: trends over time. Department for Education.https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/439867/RR439B-Ethnic_minorities_and_attainment_the_effects_of_poverty_annex.pdf.pdf.(8) Andrews, p. 250
So we ask the question:
AAE@10 – Do we really value the Black Education Movement?
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Have you/your child attended AAE? How was/is it?
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How can we measure impact of the Black Education Movement on the community?
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In light of the recent funding announcement, should we still pursue the free school agenda?
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Has the school system transformed/improved sufficiently to reduce the need for “supplementary schools”?
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Has the fact that we have not established and maintained independent black schools in the last 50 years mean that we really don’t want them?
Our very special guests:
Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement and UNIA-ACL Ambassador for the UK and national co-Chair of the interim National Afrikan People’s Parliament. Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of over 30 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Guide To Excellence.
Past and present Sebas (Teachers), Parents and Pupils of the Alkebu-Lan Academy of Excellence
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