Transforming learning why Kids Black History Classroom matters
Founded during the 2020 lockdown by Keighley, a local teacher and parent, Kids Black History began as a series of YouTube videos created to fill the gap in diverse educational resources. The popularity of these videos quickly grew, with teachers using them in classrooms and children connecting with the stories and lessons. Recognising the need for something even more impactful, Keighley launched KBH Classroom a peer-to-peer video learning platform. Today, over 5,000 students use KBH Classroom in their schools, supported by strong partnerships with YouTube and Google, and celebrated internationally, including recently being invited to a creator trip to New York.
“When Ray was only five at the time, I looked at her curriculum and the lack of diversity served, especially as a teacher myself, and I thought, what more can I do?” - Keighley, founder
KBH Classroom offers a unique approach: children learn from other children, with engaging video lessons, quizzes, discussions, and creative writing tasks. Keighley’s daughter, Raiyah, has been instrumental in the journey, as the platform’s present-teacher, since the age of five, inspiring young learners to see themselves represented in history.
“I feel proud teaching about teaching Black history to people, because it's not really taught enough anywhere. I don't think lots of people know that black history is also just regular history as well.” - Raiyah, presenter-teacher of Kids Black History Classroom
Winning at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards in 2024 for Best Online Business was a proud moment for their business, recognising its impact on local education and the wider community. Their ambition is clear: to grow into more schools, not just in Lewisham or the UK, but globally, and to become the leading edtech platform for equality, diversity and inclusion.
“Winning at the Business Awards in Lewisham has been an amazing recognition, especially in a borough that I'm just so familiar with in terms of growing up in Lewisham and particularly being educated Lewisham.” - Keighley, founder
This October, Lewisham celebrates Black History Month UK 2025 with the theme ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’ – a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe. The theme highlights the profound contributions made by Black people, from leaders and activists to pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth. Find out about our year-round commitment to supporting Lewisham's Black communities through our Black History Lewisham 365 programme.
Support KBH Classroom’s story by sharing their story and exploring their resources: KBH Classroom – Classroom for Kids Black History.