National Trust Faces Backlash Over Black Power Salute Baking Workshop for Young Children
Critics denounce 'ultra-woke' plans to teach five-year-olds about the 1968 Olympics protest during a cookie-baking session.
The National Trust has drawn criticism for its plans to incorporate a lesson on the Black Power salute into a baking workshop for children aged five to 12. The event, part of Black History Month activities at Morden Hall Park in south London, aims to educate young attendees about the origins of the salute, famously displayed by athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
Critics have labeled the initiative "ultra-woke" and "pathetic," arguing that it distracts from the charity's core mission of preserving historic heritage. Cornelia van der Poll of the campaign group Restore Trust stated that the connection between the Black Power salute and Morden Hall Park is "highly contrived" and that focusing on such political subjects detracts from relevant historical education.
Historian Andrew Roberts echoed these sentiments, calling the plans "sad, pathetic but wholly predictable." He criticized the National Trust for allegedly using baking sessions as a platform to promote "Left-wing propaganda."
The National Trust's website indicates that the workshop will cover the "inspiring story" of Smith and Carlos and their "iconic Black Power salute," followed by a cookie-baking activity.
The Black Power salute, where Smith and Carlos raised black-gloved fists on the Olympic podium during the U.S. national anthem, was a protest against systemic racism and segregation in the United States and has become a significant symbol of the civil rights movement.
Ms. Van der Poll also noted that the primary historical connection of Morden Hall Park to slavery is through the snuff business of a former owner, suggesting the Trust's focus is misaligned. She expressed concern that such programming assigns victim status to people of African descent rather than engaging them as individuals interested in historical properties.
A spokesperson for the National Trust defended the programming, stating that the organization offers opportunities for all ages to explore historical events and ideas that have shaped the world. The spokesperson confirmed that Black History Month activities across the Trust cover 18th to 20th-century history, including significant moments like the 1968 Olympics.
One unnamed member associated with the National Trust reportedly suggested that the organization should focus on teaching children about the property itself rather than political history.
Morden Hall Park in Morden, south London, is the site for the planned workshop.
