Black History Month: Celebrating Beryl Gilroy and Carter G. Woodson
St Mary’sStudents’ Union
October 2026
From the Journalism and Podcast Society
Celebrating Beryl Gilroy and Carter G. Woodson
October is Black History Month in the UK, a time to recognise the achievements, contributions and experiences of Black people throughout history. It provides an opportunity to reflect on stories, including those often overlooked. As part of Black History Month, the Journalism and Podcast Society is highlighting the lives of Beryl Gilroy and Carter G. Woodson, two influential figures whose work helped shape education and the recognition of Black history. Their stories demonstrate how Black individuals have made lasting contributions despite facing barriers and discrimination.
Beryl Gilroy
Guyanese educator and novelist
Beryl Gilroy was a Guyanese educator and novelist, born on 30 August 1924 in Skeldon, Guyana, and died on 4 April 2001 in London. She was awarded her British Guiana Teacher’s Certificate with first-class honours and worked in Guyana until 1951 before moving to the UK to study a Diploma in Child Development at the University of London. Despite her qualifications, racism made it difficult for her to find teaching work. She took on other jobs, including working as a washer-up, lady’s maid and factory clerk, before eventually returning to teaching in 1968.
Her achievement was particularly significant because Black educators faced barriers to entering the teaching profession, particularly leadership roles. Her experiences highlight how racial discrimination could prevent qualified individuals from accessing opportunities that matched their skills and education. She went on to become one of Britain’s first Black headteachers. Her career demonstrated how her drive and determination enabled her to overcome barriers and make important contributions to British education, despite the discrimination she faced.
She later worked as a researcher at the University of London and developed a pioneering psychotherapy practice, mostly supporting Black women and children. Her contributions to education, writing and psychotherapy were recognised through an Honorary Doctorate from the University of London and an Honorary Fellowship from the Institute of Education.
Carter G. Woodson
American historian and author, “Father of Black History”
Another important figure is Carter G. Woodson, often known as the “Father of Black History.” He was born in Virginia on 19 December 1875 and was an American historian and author who played a significant role in promoting the recognition of Black history. He went to an all-Black high school, while also working as a farm labourer and coal miner to support his family. Despite these challenges, he continued pursuing his education. He later became a teacher and principal before earning a BA and MA in history at the University of Chicago and becoming the second Black person to receive a PhD from Harvard University.
In 1926, he established a week dedicated to recognising Black history and achievements, helping lay the foundations for what later became Black History Month. His initiative helped promote greater recognition of Black people’s contributions to history and society, creating opportunities to learn about figures and achievements that might otherwise have been overlooked. His efforts helped establish Black history as an important subject for education and public recognition, rather than allowing these contributions to remain at the margins of historical accounts. He passed away on 3 April 1950 in Washington, D.C.
Although Beryl Gilroy and Carter G. Woodson made their contributions in different ways, both helped challenge the lack of recognition given to Black people in education and history. Their stories highlight the importance of representation, equal opportunities, and ensuring that Black history and achievements are not overlooked. Recognising their contributions also reminds us of the importance of learning from a wider range of historical experiences and celebrating achievements that may otherwise be forgotten.
More Articles...
