Lewis Hamilton has been named a hero of Black History Month; the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has campaigned for racial equality, along with various other human rights causes; Black History Month begins on Saturday
Last update: 01/10/22 7:39 am
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Lewis Hamilton talks to Naomi Schiff about his African heritage and the origin of his last name
Lewis Hamilton talks to Naomi Schiff about his African heritage and the origin of his last name
Lewis Hamilton wants Black History Month to be used as a catalyst for stories from African American history to become more integrated into school curricula.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, who was knighted in 2021, has been listed as a hero of Black History Month for his sporting achievements, along with his attempts to promote racial equality.
Hamilton has spoken out for many causes during his remarkable career, and his efforts include supporting LGBTQ+ rights by wearing a flag on his helmet, as well as encouraging other drivers to take a knee before races.
The 37-year-old sat down with another racing driver and sky sports f1 expert – Naomi Schiff before the start of Black History Month on Saturday.
Speaking about his status as a Black History Month hero, Hamilton said: “It’s the first time I’ve heard that, and I realize you can be a part of it, but I think everyone is a part of it.
“Naturally there are these months to celebrate all those different things throughout the year, which is why with my helmet, for example, the LGBTQ+ flag that I have on, I’ve been wearing it all year, because there’s no reason why It just has to be a month.
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Lewis Hamilton wears a Black Lives Matter t-shirt and takes a knee with other drivers ahead of the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix
“It’s a big month. When I was in school, we never celebrated it and we never did any history work on it.
“He was never recognized in school, which was really frustrating for me, but knowing that my family knew about it and being educated at home about certain people, the struggle, the empowerment, the movement, some of the amazing achievements that have happened to throughout the story, that gave me high hopes that there is a place for someone who looks like us in the first place, and it was incredibly informative.
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October 2, 2022, 12:55
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“That’s where I learned about Nelson Mandela, who I would say is my biggest inspiration.”
Hamilton in 2021 launched a charitable foundation, Mission 44, to tackle the disproportionately high rate of school exclusions among black students in the UK.
Mission 44, in which Sky partnered with Hamilton, aims to build a more inclusive education system, empower more young people from underserved communities and support progress in key sectors and professions.
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Lewis Hamilton explained why it was important for him to continue taking a knee before the Grand Prix throughout the 2021 season
“It’s as important as I said it’s not just one month,” Hamilton continued. “That’s why I’m trying to work with Mission 44 to try to adjust the curriculum so that it fits more into the everyday story.”
“When you’re in England, for example, and you’re learning about history in class, it shouldn’t be ‘only white people won the war’, which was basically what was being talked about.
“When you find out that there were so many different nations that were part of helping us win the war, and the Windrush generation that came from the Caribbean countries and helped rebuild the UK, those were things that I was never told about when I was a kid. .
“Those are things that should be studied and recognized, so I think the month is good but it should be added not only for BHM, but for the whole story. I know it’s hard to cover everything, but you should try.”