With our society continuing to be in the midst of one of the biggest global civil rights movements, Protest; If Not Now, Then When? explores the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement and its place in a tradition of Black people using the power of protest to effect change. The programme aims to encourage young people to understand that you are never too young to make a stand; as a wise man once said – “If not me, then who? If not now, then when?”
Protest, If Not Now, Then When? is a powerful, one-hour drama workshop that explores key moments and figures in the history of Black protest. Through guided discussion, physical theatre, and role play, pupils are introduced to the origins and global impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, tracing its roots from the 1968 Olympic Black Power salute to more recent events like the death of George Floyd and the global wave of protest it sparked. The workshop introduces a range of protest types – marches, sit-ins, speeches, and symbolic acts, and encourages pupils to reflect on the difference between peaceful protest and destructive unrest. Using creative tools like music, images, and interactive tableaux, pupils learn about historic activists such as Rosa Parks, John Lewis, and Doreen Lawrence, as well as landmark events like the Bristol Bus Boycott and the toppling of Edward Colston’s statue.
The session encourages children to consider what it means to take a stand and use their voice, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular. With a strong focus on empathy, critical thinking, and moral courage, pupils are invited to create their own protest placards and work in small groups to devise and present mini-scenes inspired by real protest actions. By the end of the session, they will be able to identify at least one Black protest figure, describe the meaning of the Black Power salute, and understand the value of ‘good trouble’, a term coined by civil rights leader John Lewis. This workshop aligns closely with history, PSHE, and citizenship goals, providing pupils with meaningful context to better understand the past and engage with the present.
Each hour-long workshop caters for a class group of 30 children from KS1 & KS2 pupils.