When October comes around, schools, organisations, colleges, universities, companies, and various places recognise Black History Month all over the UK. People take the time to discuss and learn about prominent Black figures throughout history. It’s an opportunity for everyone to learn more about not only Black History across the world, but also specifically in the UK. We are able to take a look at how Black individuals have made a significant impact throughout society. However, not many people talk about the depth behind Black History Month: where it came from, why it started, and how we can truly do this month justice.
HOW DID BLACK HISTORY MONTH BEGIN?
Black History Month originated in America in the 1980’s by Carter G. Woodson. Originally beginning with a week in 1926, he started implementing the idea in schools. Then in 1969, the idea of Black History Month was suggested by some university students, and within a year, Black History Month was celebrated by various institutions across the country. Along with it came interest in Black History clubs. In 1987, activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo brought the idea to the UK. 35 years later, we still celebrate and acknowledge Black History Month as an important symbol of what Black people have repeatedly contributed to the Black community and to the world.
Activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who first introduced Black History Month in the UK.
WHY IS BLACK HISTORY RELEVANT?
Black History Month is such a recognised and important month for a number of reasons. First, many people not only want, but need, to know where they come from. They want to know who their ancestors are, what their history looked like, how they got to where they are today. Our history is not just our parents and grandparents, but it is the story of our generation. Black History has often been forgotten amongst general history, and that causes millions of stories from various groups to be lost. Putting Black History Month in place provided a way to tell young people about their history, the stories that may otherwise be forgotten.
Black History Month is also a way to encourage the younger generation, those who may grow up thinking that they don’t possess the ability or skill to succeed in a certain area of life, those who are influenced by the way society portrays Black individuals on the news or on social media. Black History Month shows young people just how beautiful, inspiring, talented, joyful and impactful Black existence can be, and how others have been in the same positions and succeeded greatly.
Black History Month has always been about bringing back a sense of identity to Black individuals, and it continues to reflect that today.
Una Marson, the first Black woman employed by the BBC during World War II
SO, HOW DO WE RECOGNISE AND CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH?
We can acknowledge and celebrate Black History in many different ways. In schools, one of the most common ways children learn about Black History is by looking at the stories of prominent Black history figures, both in and outside the UK. We can continue that by looking at less well-known figures such as Gladys West, the creator of the calculations used for the GPS, and William Robinson Clarke, the first Black pilot to fly for the UK. Learning about Black music history in the UK is another way of celebrating Black History, along with attending Black History Month events, and reading books by Black authors.
Overall, celebrating Black History Month is about recognising all the ways in which Black individuals, groups, organisations and communities have contributed to the growth of their society, culture and the world. Black History has always been, currently is, and will continue to be a significant part of worldwide history, and it is not just history, but the ongoing story of a global community.
William Robinson Clarke, the first Black pilot to fly for Britain in the Royal Flying Corps