National Trust Sparks Debate Over Teaching Black Power Salute in Baking Workshop The National Trust has announced a Black History Month program teaching children about the 1968 Olympic Black Power salute during a baking session at Morden Hall Park, sparking criticism for its relevance and perceived politicisation of heritage sites. The National Trust has stirred controversy this month after revealing plans to incorporate lessons on the iconic 1968 Olympic Black Power salute into an elementary‑level baking workshop at Morden Hall Park, one of its historic properties in South London. The initiative is part of a broader series of events the Trust is organizing to commemorate Black History Month, which will see children from five to twelve years old invited to learn about the origins and significance of the salute while they mix, decorate and bake cakes and cookies. According to the Trust's website, the session will feature a brief narrative on Olympic athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who raised their gloved fists in protest during the American national anthem at the Mexico City Games, followed by a hands‑on activity where the youngsters will create their own "Olympic Gold Cookies" to celebrate the moment.Fierce criticism hits National Trust plansThe Trust insists that the goal is to provide an engaging, "fun and educational" experience that connects young visitors to pivotal moments in world history. The announcement has been met with fierce criticism from several quarters. Campaign group Restore Trust, which argues that the National Trust has veered away from its original mission of preserving the United Kingdom's heritage, has called the plan "pathetic" and "highly contrived." Cornelia van der Poll, a spokesperson for the group, pointed out that the only historical link between Morden Hall Park and the civil rights movement is that the former owner's business processed snuff, a product historically associated with colonial exploitation. Van der Poll argued that teaching children about the Black Power salute "is not relevant to this particular property and it is not relevant to what the National Trust does." She further contended that the Trust's emphasis on a political narrative "short‑changes the actual relevant history" of the site itself. Historians and commentators have also weighed in. Andrew Roberts, a noted historian, described the Trust's move as an example of "ultra‑woke" programming. He claimed it was "sad, pathetic but wholly predictable" that a heritage organisation would "force left‑wing propaganda down children's throats" while they mix batter.National Trust defends educational initiativeOn the other hand, a spokesperson for the National Trust defended the initiative. The official response emphasised the Trust's commitment to "providing opportunities for people of all ages to explore the people, events and ideas that have shaped history and the world we live in today." The spokesperson highlighted that the broader Black History Month activities at the Trust will cover 18th‑to‑20th‑century history, including the pivotal 1968 Olympics, and that participants will have the chance to learn how these moments resonate with contemporary society. Even among donors and visitors, opinions split.Split opinions emerge among membersAn unnamed member of the National Trust stated that they believed the trust should focus on the historic relevance of the property itself, arguing that the children should instead learn about the architectural and landscape heritage of Morden Hall Park rather than about a protest that has no direct connection to the site. Nevertheless, the Trust insists that the educational content is carefully curated to align with the themes of Black History Month, aiming to introduce young people to wider social histories while maintaining a focus on the monuments and narratives that shape public consciousness.As the debate unfolds, many are watching to see whether the National Trust's attempt to blend heritage preservation with modern social narratives will ultimately enhance public engagement or alienate segments of its audience. The organisation's future decisions on how to balance historical authenticity with socially relevant programming may set a precedent for heritage institutions worldwide as they navigate the complex legacy of historic sites in an increasingly diverse society.