Black History Month – 1st to 31st October 2023

What is Black History Month?

During October the UK Celebrates Black History Month. Although Black History Month has been celebrated every February in the USA since 1970, it was not officially celebrated in the UK until 1987 when it was organised by the activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo who, at the time was the coordinator for special projects for the Greater London Council. The first Black History Month was celebrated only in London, but in the years since, the celebration has spread across the whole UK and is now celebrated annually throughout each October. This year, 1987 marked 150 years since the emancipation of slaves in the Caribbean, and the centenary of the birth of the great Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey.

Purpose

The main aims of Black History Month are to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people not just in the UK, but throughout the world and also to educate all on black history.

During October there are many events to celebrate Black History Month, across the country special classes and celebrations are arranged within schools and African and Caribbean societies at universities put on special events and lectures. Museums and art galleries have special themed exhibits, and there are also many special themed shows about Black History Month on the TV and Radio.

Why is Black history month important?

The murder of George Floyd and subsequent global reaction in April 2020, resulted in people from all backgrounds and cultures becoming acutely aware that inequality still affects ethnic minorities in Britain today. As a charity determined to embed inclusion in its workforce culture, we understand more than most the lack of opportunity that those from diverse ethnic heritage backgrounds still experience.

Black History Month serves as an important moment in time to also remember those that paved the way before us and to prompt important discussions at a national level about what the future could hold for young Black Britons today.