Every October, the U.K. comes alive with a celebration of Black history, culture, and achievements through Black History Month (BHM). While Black History Month originated in the US in 1926, its significance and relevance in the UK have grown over the decades, reflecting the rich and often overlooked contributions of Black communities to British society. 2024’s theme – Reclaiming Narratives – reminds us that this month is not just about remembering history, but also about challenging and reshaping how it’s told.
Why Black History Month is important
Black History Month is important for many reasons. It creates an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of Black people and communities throughout history, highlighting achievements that are often overlooked in mainstream narratives. It also serves as a platform to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, and to address systemic racism.
In a society that often sidelines Black voices, Black History Month ensures that the history of the Black community is acknowledged, discussed, and celebrated. This helps to educate people of all ages and backgrounds about the complex and interconnected history of the UK and the Black people who have been part of it for centuries.
The origins of Black History Month in the UK
The first Black History Month in the UK was celebrated in 1987. Initiated by Ghanaian-born activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who was then working at the Greater London Council (GLC), introduced the concept as a way to address the historical erasure of Black people from British history. Inspired by the American tradition of Black History Week, which was created by historian Carter G. Woodson in the 1920s, the idea in the UK quickly gained momentum.
The UK’s celebration was not just about celebrating African and Caribbean cultures. It was also about acknowledging the long history of the Black British community, which includes people of African, Caribbean, and other diasporas, who have made significant contributions to British society.
Black History in the UK
Black people have a long and often forgotten history in Britain, predating even the colonial era. From the African soldiers who fought in Britain’s wars, to the traders and workers who helped build the nation’s empire, Black people have been integral to the formation of modern Britain. The first Black person recorded in Britain dates back to the Roman Empire, but it was the transatlantic slave trade, lasting from the 16th to the 19th century, that saw a significant increase in the number of Black people in Britain. While many of these stories are painful, they are a crucial part of understanding Britain’s history.
In the 20th century, the arrival of the Windrush Generation in 1948 marked a momentous occasion. Caribbean men and women who answered the call to rebuild post-war Britain arrived on the ship HMT Windrush, becoming a crucial part of the UK’s social fabric. However, the history of Black people in the UK is not only about hardship or migration. It also includes powerful stories of triumph, resilience, and creativity. Figures like Mary Seacole, a Jamaican nurse who provided invaluable care during the Crimean War, and Walter Tull, one of the first Black football players in the UK and a World War I hero, are just two examples of the many inspiring individuals who have shaped British history.
Notable figures in Black British History
Several influential figures have left their mark on Black British history. They have contributed to arts, culture, politics, science, and sports. Here are a few notable names:
- Mary Seacole: Mary Seacole was a pioneering Jamaican-born nurse who made an extraordinary impact during the Crimean War. Seacole’s autobiography, The Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands (1857), remains a significant work in Black British history.
- Dina Asher-Smith: Dina Asher-Smith is one of the most celebrated British sprinters of her generation. With multiple gold medals from the European and World Championships, she made history as the first British woman to win a global sprint title.
- Paul Stephenson: Stephenson’s anti-racism activism, starting in the 1960s, was critical in highlighting the issue of racism in public institutions. This contributed to the broader fight for civil rights in the UK. His achievements helped to lay the groundwork for the Race Relations Act of 1965.
- Leroy Cooper: Cooper was one of the notable figures in the Toxteth Riots of 1981, which marked a turning point in the fight against racial injustice in the UK. He has been a key figure in efforts to ensure the struggles of Black communities are acknowledged, and that the history of Black resistance in the UK is recognised and understood.
- Claudia Jones: A Trinidadian activist, she is often credited with founding the Notting Hill Carnival in 1959. The event continues to celebrate Caribbean culture and contributes significantly to the UK’s multicultural identity.
- Linton Kwesi Johnson: A renowned poet and musician, Johnson is known for his spoken word poetry, which often addresses issues of racial inequality, police brutality, and the experience of being Black in Britain.
- Stormzy: More recently, Stormzy, a British rapper of Ghanaian descent, has become an influential voice in both music and activism. He often uses his platform to highlight racial inequality and injustice, and has contributed to many Black students gaining a scholarship to Cambridge University.
Reclaiming Narratives: The 2024 Theme
The 2024 theme for BHM, Reclaiming Narratives, is particularly significant. Black history has often been told from a limited or distorted perspective; one that marginalises the true extent of Black experiences. Many historical narratives have been shaped by dominant groups, who have erased or ignored the role of Black communities in shaping British society.
The idea of reclaiming narratives seeks to challenge this. It encourages Black communities, scholars, and activists to take ownership of their stories and to ensure that their voices are heard. This includes revisiting history to expose injustices, rewriting cultural narratives that have been skewed, and telling the rich and complex stories of Black lives in Britain on their own terms.
In the context of BHM, reclaiming narratives also means recognising the power of Black culture in all its forms – literature, art, music, fashion, politics – and asserting its place in wider British heritage.
Raising awareness of BHM
While Black History Month is a time for celebration, it’s also a time for reflection and action. Here are some ways you can raise awareness and engage with the month:
- Educate yourself and others: Take the time to learn about the lesser-known stories of Black history in the UK and beyond. Share these stories with friends, family, and colleagues.
- Support Black artists and creators: Supporting Black creators not only celebrates their work, but helps to further enrich British culture.
- Attend local events: Many communities host events during Black History Month, such as art exhibitions, lectures and workshops. These can be great opportunities to learn and connect with others.
- Advocate for diversity: Use this time to promote diversity and inclusion in your own community, whether in schools, workplaces, or local governments.
- Reflect on the present: BHM is also an opportunity to reflect on ongoing challenges around racial inequality and injustice. Engaging in meaningful discussions and taking part in advocacy can help to create real change.
Conclusion
BHM is not just a celebration; it’s an opportunity to redefine the way we engage with it. The theme Reclaiming Narratives reminds us that Black stories, contributions, and experiences should be understood on their own terms. It challenges the dominant historical frameworks that have often erased or misrepresented Black people. As we honour Black history this October, we must also strive for a future where the narratives we share are more inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the true diversity of our society.
