Black History Month

October 15, 2021

October is Black History Month

What is Black History Month?

Black History Month is the annual commemoration of the history, achievements, and contributions of black people in the UK.

This national celebration aims to promote and celebrate black contributions to British society, and to foster an understanding of black history in general. Today across the UK during October over 4000 events are organised celebrating Black History Month along with activities within schools.

Why did Black History Month begin?

While the UK celebrates Black History Month in October, it is celebrated throughout the month of February where it originated in the United States. Black History Month was created by Harvard-educated historian Carter G Woodson, who wanted to challenge preconceptions at the time. Against the backdrop of the civil rights movement and the Black Power Movement, Black History Month was born in 1969.

In the United Kingdom, Black History Month was first celebrated in London in October 1987. The aim was for local communities to challenge racism and educate themselves and others about  British history that was not taught in schools.

Why is Black History Month important?

Black History Month means different things to everyone and pride for this month is expressed in a variety of different ways.

For many, Black History Month is a way of reflecting on the diverse histories of those from African and Caribbean descent, taking note of the achievements and contributions to the social, political, economic, and cultural development of the UK.

It’s important to remember people from the black community who have helped to shape the UK but are often forgotten or absent from history. Although celebrating the achievements and contributions of black people is an integral part of Black History Month, we cannot underestimate how much work still needs to be done to address the barriers black communities continue to face in the UK. This is important now more than ever, especially in the light of the Windrush scandal as well as the wider awareness and emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement which has again raised the issue of the systemic injustice black people in the UK experience.

By understanding black history which has shaped where we are today, we can learn how to make a change and advance race equity at an institutional, cultural, and personal level. Black History Month is the chance for us to celebrate black history, culture and achievements as well as continue to have important and educational conversations about creating an anti-racist service, which includes acknowledging the experiences and contributions of black people at Citizens Advice.

“It’s clearer than ever that Black history is everyone’s history” – Joseph Harker, former editor, and publisher of the newspaper, Black Briton

Categories: Events, News, Press Release