This October, we celebrate Black History Month, a time to reflect, learn, and honour the remarkable contributions of Black people throughout history.
The theme this year - “Standing Strong in Power and Pride” - encourages us to recognise the strength, resilience, and cultural richness that shape our communities today.
At Phoenix, we celebrate the voices that shape our community. This Black History Month, we’re proud to share the story of Michelle, a passionate Teacher whose journey is rooted in resilience, faith and love for the Pupils we support.
A Journey Rooted in Purpose
Michelle didn’t plan to become a Teacher. She left a career in banking, unsure of what was next. A friend suggested teaching. She gave it a go. That moment changed everything.
“I realised I’m not doing anything else,” Michelle said. “As long as I’m working with young People, this is where I’ll be.”
Since 2009, Michelle has dedicated her life to nurturing young minds, both in and out of the classroom, helping Pupils grow academically and emotionally.
Faith, Warmth, and Gratitude
Michelle’s Nigerian heritage is central to her work. A powerful role in shaping her values and approach to teaching.
“Nigerians are driven,” she explains.
“We don’t give up easily, and our faith gives us strength. We’re also warm and hospitable, we see people and notice people.”
She brings warmth, hospitality and gratitude into every classroom. She notices people. She shares her culture. She offers jollof rice. She asks, “Are you OK?” She says thank you. She teaches with kindness.
Her values are clear. Hard work. Adaptability. Humility. Saying sorry, even to Pupils. “Africans don’t typically apologise to Children,” she said. “But I’ve learnt that if you offend someone, say sorry.”
Michelle teaches humanities. She uses history to open conversations about identity and pride. She shares stories from Nigeria. She shows pictures of Lagos. She answers questions with honesty and care.
“I want Pupils to take pride in who they are,” she said. “Different isn’t bad. Different doesn’t have to be scary.”
Standing Strong Through Life’s Challenges
This year’s theme, Standing Strong in Power and Pride, resonates deeply with Michelle. She’s faced knockdowns. She’s learnt to give herself grace. She’s learnt to use her pain to comfort others.
“For me, standing strong means not losing sight of who I am, and finding beauty in pain.
It’s about using my experiences to comfort others and giving myself grace, even when no one else does.”
Her message is one of resilience and self-worth: a reminder that strength comes not from perfection, but from perseverance and compassion.
Bringing Heritage into the Classroom
As a Teacher, Michelle uses her lessons to celebrate cultural identity and pride.
She shares stories about Nigeria and encourages open conversations about different cultures.
“When I talk about where I come from, it shows I’m proud of it,” she says.
“That helps Pupils feel comfortable talking about their own backgrounds.”
Michelle’s hopes for the next generation are simple and powerful. She wants Pupils to ask questions. To be curious. To be kind. To understand that difference is not hate.
Through these discussions, Michelle challenges stereotypes and builds understanding, helping Pupils see that every culture has value and beauty.
Why Black History Month Matters
For Michelle, Black History Month is vital.
“It helps challenge stereotypes,” she says.
“It gives people the chance to ask questions and learn. It enriches the curriculum, and helps African children see that their heritage is something to be proud of.”
She also shared a moment from history that inspires her, the Aba Women’s Riots. Nigerian women protested colonial taxes. They sang protest songs. They stood up for what was right. A powerful moment in history
“It didn’t end well,” Michelle said. “But it was inspiring. Women showed strength.”
“They made their voices heard, and that courage still inspires me today.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
When asked what keeps her motivated at Phoenix, Michelle doesn’t hesitate.
“In 10 years, I want to meet one of my Pupils and hear them say, ‘I’m so glad you were my teacher,” she says.
Michelle’s passion for young people, her pride in her heritage, and her unwavering strength truly embody what it means to stand strong in power and pride.
A Final Reflection
Black History Month is more than a celebration, it’s a call to action.
To listen. To learn. To lift each other up.
Michelle’s story reminds us that through resilience, gratitude, and faith, we can all inspire change and create spaces where every Person we support feels seen, valued, and proud of who they are.
This Black History Month, we honour Michelle’s story. Her strength. Her pride. Her power.
At Phoenix, we stand with her.