What is Black History Month in the UK
Originating in the United States, it is annually observed during the month of October in the United Kingdom. Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, a Ghanaian activist and Special Projects Coordinator for the Greater London Council, organized the inaugural Black History Month in October 1987 as part of the African Jubilee Year. He voiced his motivations: “I was stirred up in the mid-1980s by the identity crisis that Black children face as some brazenly would not identify with Africa and shrank when called African”
The Importance of UK’s Black History Month
The goal of Black History Month is to promote and commemorate Black contributions to British society, as well as to create an awareness of Black history. It is a time to celebrate, reflect on and appreciate the UK’s Black history and culture.
Many schools continue to offer a history curriculum that concentrates on the actions and accomplishments of white people. Black History Month allows everyone to discuss, appreciate, and comprehend the significance of black culture.
The term “UK’s Black History” is emphasized because most celebrations of UK Black History are often based on an American-centric understanding of black history and identity. The Black experience is not monolithic. So if we are to celebrate UK Black History Month, it’s imperative to recognize and celebrate the cultures, accomplishments, and perspectives of Black people living in the UK.
Black figures and their contributions
Ignatius Sancho: Born upon a slave ship in the Atlantic Ocean, Sancho arrived in the UK in captivity. He was an avid reader, having composed both music and a large number of letters. The latter was published two years after his death; making him the first African prose writer to have work published in England. He became eligible to vote in 1774 after achieving financial independent householder status. He became the Briton of African heritage to vote in parliamentary elections.
Another African writer was Olaudah Equiano.
Taken from his home in the Kingdom of Benin, he was forced into slavery as a child. During the eight years that he spent with his first master, a Royal Navy officer, he learnt how to read and write. After being traded two more times, he finally had enough money to buy his freedom. With his newfound freedom, he fought for the abolition of slavery. He published his autobiography in 1789, which became a best-seller.
One ex-slave had a tremendous impact on science; John Edmonstone taught and influenced Charles Darwin. He was born into slavery in the 1700s and gained his freedom in 1817 when he moved to Edinburgh to teach taxidermy at the university. It was there that he began to teach 16-year-old Charles Darwin.
How is Black History Month Celebrated in the UK?
During the month of October, a spotlight is put on Black British history and the Black British people that brought about change and worked towards a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world.
Each year, Black History Month focuses on a particular theme during the month. This year’s themes seem to be Sharing Journeys, Time for Change: Actions Not Words, and Black Health and Wellness. Themes are used to bring specialized focus to a certain aspect of Black history and culture.
Many museums and universities have created experiences and exhibitions that people can participate in to educate themselves on Black British History, like the Bristol bus boycott, the Windrush generation and the ensuing scandal. They highlight many key figures and events in UK Black History.
Support Black Charities in the UK for Black History Month
One way of celebrating UK Black History Month is by donating and supporting black charities. If this is something that you’d like to do, but you’re unclear on which charity to donate to, visit us at Support Black Charities
