Knowledge organiser - Black History - Year 2

The Year 2 knowledge organiser for Black History provides essential information about influential black individuals who have made significant contributions to the fight against racism and have worked towards creating a fairer world. Students are expected to build on their prior knowledge and familiarise themselves with key vocabulary and figures. They learn about Rosa Parks, born in 1913, who became an iconic figure in the civil rights movement when she refused to give up her seat on a bus, taking a stand against racial segregation. Nelson Mandela is introduced as another pivotal character who dedicated his life to the struggle against apartheid and for the equal rights of all people.

Discrimination is defined as the unfair treatment of a group of people based on certain characteristics, a concept central to understanding the historical context of these individuals' actions. The organiser also highlights Lewis Howard Latimer, born in 1848, who played a crucial role in the development of the electric light bulb but received minimal recognition for his work. Malala Yousafzai's bravery is noted for her activism in promoting education for women in the face of opposition from those who believed women should not be educated. Finally, Mary Prince's story is shared; she was born into slavery in Bermuda and later wrote about her experiences, contributing to the abolition movement. The main learning focus is on the impact these famous black figures have had on improving our world, with an emphasis on understanding discrimination, the perseverance of these individuals, and their historical significance.