All Hallows Pupils Attended Inspiring Discussion on History, Heritage, and Black History Month

11 October 2025

As part of Black History Month, Dr Richards and two of our pupils had the opportunity to attend Drew Gardner’s exhibition, '“The Descendants” at The Station in Frome. The exhibition showcased Drew’s photography project, which pairs modern-day descendants with portraits of their notable ancestors. It offered a powerful reminder of how the past continues to shape the present. Amongst the recognisable figures are Thomas Jefferson and Harriet Tubman. Drew then recreated their portraits using Tintype photography. He Ensured that the history is accurate with the support of WikiTree who helped to trace and contact the descendants of Civil War combatants.

Drew was joined in conversation by two distinguished guests: David Olusoga OBE, the British-Nigerian historian, writer, broadcaster, and BAFTA-winning filmmaker, and Shannon LaNier, an American TV journalist and direct descendant of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. LaNier, who co-authored Jefferson’s Children, has been a passionate advocate for honest conversations about heritage, identity, and the lasting impact of history.

The discussion explored how telling the stories that have not been told is crucial to understanding our shared histories. Shannon reflected on how history can often be painful, but it is a powerful experience to see the connection to the past. When asked by David Olusoga how he reconciles the past, Shannon explained that history is complicated, it is important to recognise the contributions of those who came before, even amidst the pain. He emphasised that it is important for us to share the stories, and that any of us can research and tell these stories from our past—it is up to us. Talking about the past is essential to move toward healing and mutual understanding.

David Olusoga also highlighted the importance of educating ourselves about history and different cultures, saying, “If we don’t have the information, we are all losers.” He stressed the need to call out misrepresentation, ensuring that the stories we tell are honest, inclusive, and rooted in truth. Drew hopes viewers will  “ become curious”—to look closer, ask questions, and engage with the human stories that connect us across generations.

It was an inspiring and thought-provoking evening, perfectly timed during Black History Month, reminding us that by sharing stories and educating ourselves about different cultures, we can build a more informed, compassionate, and equitable future.