People / Education
Honouring Bristol’s first black headteacher
International Women’s Day celebrations continued this week with a commemoration for Bristol’s first black headteacher, Hyacinth Hall.
Hyacinth Hall dedicated her life to tackling inequality, transforming the many lives of young students and families in the city’s black community.
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Born in Jamaica, Hyacinth came to England in 1958 and became headteacher of St Paul’s’ St Barnabas Primary School in 1985.
Hyacinth’s contribution to education was honoured in a ceremony held in Bishopston Library by deputy mayor Asher Craig, who paid tribute to her wonderful work gifting her a bunch of orange roses and explaining the importance of the teacher’s influence as her role model at a time when there weren’t many black leaders.
Deputy mayor Asher Craig pays tribute to Hyacinth Hall. Photo by Ruby Lopez
A painting was unveiled after Hyacinth kindly donated it to the library, saying it “has to be represented in the community”. Received as a retirement gift, she decided that after years of having this painting hung up in her hallway, it was time to give it back to the community so that it can inspire others with its messages of love and unity.
Hyacinth went above and beyond to improve the poor standards of education available to black children in Bristol, fighting for the development of St Barnabas’ resources and teaching quality.
Not only did she work within the school helping pupils but she also worked outside the school’s community supporting families. She lived locally to the school throughout her teaching years, believing firmly in the importance of teachers connecting to the community they work in.
The painting hanging in the library. Photo by Ruby Lopez
When asked what kept her inspired throughout years of facing adversity Hyacinth said: “Every situation has something we can learn from if we are open minded”.
She also said her advice to women today is “encourage and inspire children no matter whatever environment, no matter faith or colour, work together”.
Main photo courtesy of Bristol Museums
Read more: Tackling the lack of representation in Bristol’s schools
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