In the UK, Black History Month is an annual event celebrated in October. It’s a time to celebrate the history, achievements, and contributions of Black British, African and Caribbean people in a society that can overlook these accomplishments and a school curriculum where Black British history is often missing.
When did Black History Month start in the UK?
Black History Month was first celebrated in the UK in London in October 1987. The catalyst for the event was a conversation between Ghanian activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo and one of his work colleagues at the Greater London Council. His colleague disclosed that her six-year-old son had asked her ‘Mum, why can’t I be white?’. Akyaaba realised that wider society, national institutions, and school curriculums were failing Black children in the UK.
“I decided that every child growing up in the UK must have an appreciation and an understanding of Africa, Africans, people of African descent – their contributions to world civilisations from antiquity to the present, and especially to the growth and development of the UK and Europe.”- Akyaaba Addai-Sebo
Taking inspiration from Black History Month in the United States, Akyaaba and his colleagues obtained approval for money to organise a series of lectures and concerts that took place in 1986-87 celebrating the contributions of Black people to economic, cultural, and political life in the UK. The events included guests such as Angela Davis, Winnie Mandela, Ray Charles, Hugh Masekela, and many others. The success of these events led to the first Black History Month in the UK which was held on the 1st of October 1987.
Why October?
October was chosen in part due to its importance in the African calendar with the Autumn equinox and harvest period. October is also traditionally a time of reflection and tolerance across Africa with chiefs and leaders gathering to settle differences. The month was also chosen as a time when children would have just started school in the hope that they would be more engaged to learn.
Reclaiming Narratives
Every year Black History Month has a theme and this year the UK theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ #reclaimingnarratives. The aim of this theme is to encourage a discussion around Black British heritage, correcting historical inaccuracies and empowering people to use their voices to reclaim their stories.
At the Cowrie Scholarship Foundation, we provide full scholarships to financially disadvantaged Black British students to complete their undergraduate studies. We believe that education has the power to change lives and this month, and every month, we celebrate our scholars and their stories of resilience and success.