English People’s History Month was inspired by Black History Month, which is October. During October in schools and other public places, like libraries, theaters and cinemas, black history is celebrated, studied, displayed in picture and written form, and discussed, relevant films are shown, and music is performed. In schools children and young people sing and play music of varying black traditions, or study particular black heroes, such as Harriet Tubman, and Martin Luther King. In libraries, books by black authors or on black history are promoted, with displays and group meetings.
May is the month when schools and colleges can study the Peasants’ Revolt of 1382, or the Putney Debates of the 1640s. In May, libraries can arrange displays and talks of the history of the development of democracy or on the Toll Puddle Martyrs or the General Strike of 1926. Concerts can be held of the music of the Diggers or Levellers, or the Luddites.
The month of May can be a time to learn about the growth of trade unions, or the fight against fascism, or the fight for free education for all and for decent living conditions and healthcare for all people in England.
For there to be a parallel with Black History month in May, with Peoples’ History Month, seems inevitable.
Subjects taught in schools which can link in People’s History Month, are perhaps drama, art, music, PHSE, history, English, geography, and citizenship. In Primary schools, class assemblies can be devised around all number of subjects discussed on the website. (Please contribute your plans for others to use).
We encourage teachers, librarians, arts practitioners and artists, trade union leaders, and all other workers, who through their work have influence on others , to take up the idea of The English Peoples’ History Month of May. Please use this website as a starting point. Please share any ideas, music, films, displays, book or plans you are using. This website (and facebook) is only a beginning we realize how we are only telling a tiny part of the story.