Happy Black History Month!
Black History Month is a time of learning, celebration, understanding and acknowledgement. This month offers an important reminder to celebrate, acknowledge and champion the contributions made by Black people in the UK and around the world.
Giving us all the vital opportunity to share, amplify and learn more about the impact of Black heritage and culture in the UK, Black History Month is a time to celebrate and champion the unending contributions Black people have made in the UK and beyond.
Beginning in the US, Black History Month in the UK can be traced back to 1984. Arranged by Ghanian refugee, Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, Akyaaba wanted to challenge racism and celebrate the contributions and history of Black people in the UK. Black people have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. While history books write that their contribution began with the Windrush generation, people from African and Caribbean backgrounds have played an enormous part in shaping the modern Britain we know today.
Black History Month exists to amplify this.
For too long, the endless contributions made by Black people to and in British society have been overlooked, distorted, or gone unrecognised. The stories, experiences and sentiments of Black Britons with African or Caribbean heritage must be shared and amplified to ensure they are not forgotten.
Black History Month platforms these experiences and showcases them to counteract the incessant erasure, denial and dismissal Black people in the UK experience.
Challenging racism and discrimination, Black History Month acts as a reminder of the historical and contemporary experiences of Black people in the UK and their trailblazing actions of social change and justice.
Black history is so much more than just one month, and it is incredibly important to acknowledge, champion and celebrate the contributions made by Black people in the UK. Positively changing the outdated face of arts, culture, politics and education systems in the UK, Black people should be celebrated for the rich cultural impact they have had on the UK. Creating a culture that has transcended oceans, the contributions made by Black people in the UK have positively shaped Britain, making it a safer, more joyous and just place for us all.
Shaping our world for the better, we must continue to support, uplift and empower Black people. We encourage you to learn, engage, support and amplify Black people and their voices. We should constantly challenge racist, stereotypical biases and work to dismantle archaic systems to truly become anti-racist. With ongoing crises, the ever-present inequality and injustice around the world and in the UK and the growth in far-right rhetoric, we are constantly served reminders of the change that still needs to come. We must commit to being better, standing against all injustice and challenging racist and violent agendas.
Black History Month is an opportunity for people to learn more about the atrocities of the past and the importance of challenging dangerous ideologies and agendas.
This month, we encourage you to engage in and celebrate Black History.
Read more Black authors and celebrate their work.
Attend Black-led events and amplify and share them amongst your networks.
Encourage more learning by platforming and sharing stories and resources from Black people.
Support, amplify, donate and fund Black-led causes and organisations.
Advocate for a more expansive school, college or university curriculum that includes Black History year-round.
There are so many organisations and platforms doing incredible work to challenge outdated institutions and systems and support Black communities, and we have the honour of being connected to so many across our GirlDreamer network!
Here at GirlDreamer, we will continue to amplify, empower and support Black people as we strive for a future free of discrimination, inequality and the horrors of the past.
