Black History Month

Black History Month was launched in America nearly 80 years ago and continues every October in Britain, presenting us with the opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements made by all communities. The origins of BHM go back to 1926 when Carter G Woodson, editor for thirty years of the Journal of Negro History, established African Caribbean celebrations in America. It is still celebrated there in February each year. In

Britain, the BHM has now grown to over 1400 events.
Black History Month provides a positive platform for the ethnic minority communities, while the workshops, book readings, music, dancing, and exposure to the food and traditions of other cultures, promise to be fun-filled and enriching for everyone.

The focus on African and Caribbean heritage pre-dates the work of London Strategic Policy Unit who, as part of the African Jubilee year in 1987, helped to establish the event.
People have been promoting black history arts and culture for many years. Examples can be traced to Berry Edwards in Manchester (Caribbean Week in the 70s), or Eric and Jessica Huntley from Ealing who regularly organised a Caribbean week in the late 70s and early 80's, or Alex Pascall who established, on BBC Radio London, the Black Londoners radio programme which went from a monthly, to a weekly, and then to a daily programme.

With thanks to www.black-history-month.co.uk for part of this information.

More information can be seen at:

www.black-history-month.co.uk
www.blackhistorylondon.com
www.birminghamblackhistory.com
actsofachievement.org.uk
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/learning/blackhistorymonth.asp