News & Updates
Black History Month 2022
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Black people are often given the double burden of experiencing racism and discrimination, and then being expected to fix it.
October marks the start of Black History Month UK – a time to celebrate and remember African and Caribbean heritage peoples’ achievements and contributions to the British economy, culture, and history. It’s a chance to tell the stories of those less well-known Black Britons who we will forget if we don’t showcase them.
What is Black History Month UK?
Black History Month UK began in October 1987 by Akyaaba Sebo, a special projects coordinator of the Ethnic Minorities Unit at the now defunct Great London Council. He wanted to boost the self-esteem of Black British children and young adults by educating them on the long history and achievements of Black people living in the UK.
Taking inspiration from Black History Month (also known as African American History Month) in the United States. The first event was held on 1 October 1987 at County Hall and was attended by American historian Dr Maulana Karenga, who founded the African American holiday of Kwanzaa; and Kenyan women’s activist Wanjiru Kihoro.
It has since evolved into a national movement recognised by the British government and observed throughout the UK.
Why do we celebrate Black History Month?
Following the anti-black racism protests that swept the globe in 2020, there was a step-change in how racism was addressed by individuals and organisations. Honest dialogues were opened, however, contentious, over Britain’s colonial past, and diversity and inclusion became a key component of corporate policy, however performative the action. Change is happening but there is still a long way to go.
As stories from and about the Black Community enter the mainstream and UK Black history, is rightly seen as just British history. We must ensure that the stories of lesser-known Black Britons are not forgotten and that the authenticity of those stories is not lost, and are told in their own words.
‘[UK] Black history is a series of missing chapters from British history’ said David Olusoga, historian, and we must be involved in the telling of these stories.
Black History Month exists to tell these stories in our own voices. It’s our chance to shine a light on individuals who aren’t featured in the mainstream and whose contributions would be forgotten without Black History Month UK. It’s a time to celebrate Black Britons who are making history now too.
It also provides us with a space to tackle racial discrimination head-on within our society by encouraging government, institutions, and corporations to advocate for diversity, equality, and inclusion.
What are the aims of Black History Month in the UK?
- Celebrate and recognise the achievements of African and Caribbean heritage people’s role in helping to shape UK culture, history, and economic development.
- Educating the UK population on how the relationships between Britain, Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States helped create modern Britain.
- To encourage government, institutions, and corporations to embrace and adopt equality and diversity policies.
What is the theme of Black History Month UK 2022?
The theme of Black History Month UK 2022 is Time for Change: Actions not Words.
This October we want to explore the lives and stories of the people who came to Britain in the 19th and 20th centuries and helped laid the foundations of today’s diverse Black British Community.
Not forgetting that Black History Month is also about documenting history in the making.
NWG and Black History Month
Here at the NWG Network, we would like our hear from our members and partners asking them to share their stories and experiences in what they are doing to tackle racism, bias, stereotyping or cultural misunderstanding.
We would also like you to share any examples of good practices where children and young people from Black communities get the help and support they need, the adults working or volunteering with them and their families:
- understand the challenges they face
- build trusting relationships
- take appropriate action to help keep children safe
- use a strength-based approach to empower parents and carers from Black communities to take steps to keep children safe.
The following articles provide an insight into some of the issues:
Thank you for your support
If you want to share any examples of good practices please contact
Sukhdev Rathore