Bromley High School was honoured to welcome Patrick Hutchinson, ‘a valuable voice in the conversation about race’ according to The Sunday Times, to speak in the Minerva Lecture series.
It was incredible to hear Patrick discuss ‘The Ally Within: Awakening Through Life’s Lessons’. He recounted the events that propelled him to national and international acclaim in June 2020 when he carried a man to safety amidst a protest. The image of Patrick carrying a white man on his shoulder through a crowd became a powerful metaphor for his beliefs in allyship and the betterment of society.
Patrick captured his view succinctly:
“In essence, being an ally means putting others before oneself and actively working towards a more just and equitable society for all, realising that injustice, even when it seems far removed from our own personal experience, has a ripple effect that ultimately touches us all.”Patrick Hutchinson
Patrick shared his own experiences of racial and age-related prejudice, urging the audience to reflect on identity and intersectionality. He broadened his themes to encompass a variety of experiences, identities, and backgrounds. He also welcomed questions from the pupils, leading to a profound discussion about how to confront discrimination and be an ally for all in society.
Coinciding with the observance of Black History Month at Bromley High School, this was a powerful and poignant event.
“I have been excitedly waiting to attend a Minerva Lecture since I saw all the posters when I was in Junior School, and now here I am! It was a brilliant talk.”Year 7 pupil
