A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.
Marcus Garvey

October signifies the fall of autumn, the seasonal transition from summer to winter. Whilst it is a month in the northern hemisphere that looms of impending coldness and early dark evenings it is also a special month that commemorates the history and achievements of black people and all who share black ancestry.

Sceptics and critics alike might continue to argue on why one race should be designated a special month. The answer is simple. We deserve it! Black people have played a significant and valuable part in history and have contributed immensely to the world. From the southern hemisphere, to the archipelagos lying off the Caribbean Sea, up the northern subcontinent of America, to the northern hemisphere, our history is strongly intertwined and rich in colour and contribution. It is also marred and tarred with immense pain, disarray, violence, fight and continued struggle to be recognised and afforded the same basic liberties as every other race.

THE ORIGINS OF Black History Month

Fact: Black people have long existed in Britain since the 12^th century, however history has tried to obliterate their existence save for a few who have fought for black history to be recognised.

It began in 1926 in America as a weeklong celebration initially called ‘Negro History Week’. Founded by a scholar and a historian, Dr Carter G Woodson took it upon himself to write black Americans into the nation’s history having noticed an absence and began campaigning for ‘Negro History Week’ to be celebrated in February. This month was chosen especially as it fell on the birthday of an influential figure in American history who helped to ‘free slaves’, Abraham Lincoln. Its main aim was to honour the importance of black achievement and contribution to America and Dr Woodson held campaigns in schools and publications to drive this message. In 1976, ‘Negro History Week’ turned into Black History Month and to this day continues to be celebrated.

IN BRITAIN

Akyaaba Addai Sebbo

It was against the back drop of youthful ignorance and racial divide that drew Akyaaba Addai Sebbo, a senior special projects officer in the now defunct Greater London Council to lead a campaign on black history. Alongside key leaders and Ken Livingstone, the former Mayor of London, the first BHM event was held on the 1^st of October 1987. It was selected specially to coincide with the celebrations of Marcus Garvey and London Jubilee and its main aim was to celebrate and recognise the contributions of people who shared black ancestry and it soon spread to schools and cities across Britain.

The key aims of BHM were to:

• Positively promote and teach the knowledge of black history, culture and heritage and to share it with everyone as part of world history. This was partly to drive away the negative stereotypes that surrounded people with African heritage.

• Bring awareness and information on contribution made by black people across the globe and in Britain.

So with all this in mind, why should we still celebrate BHM?

• Again simple! Similar to Carnival, this is the opportune time in the year that has been afforded to black culture. Let us use it positively and wisely, to drive awareness, know our history, promote and empower ourselves.

• History continues to ignore us and tell its own version of the story, often shortened. Let us use this month as a platform to educate ourselves and the younger generation on the history and contribution of black people  and empower our youth to be proud of their heritage and skin colour.

• And last but not least…our culture ROCKS!!! Yes it does, in all its fusion, colour, splendour and diversity, its like a rainbow with a pot of gold at the end, so lets proudly splash it to the world to see and appreciate.

UKSS is proud to be a part of this month long celebration and it is with admiration, recognition and a desire to prosper our culture to richer heights that we take you on a BHM journey chronicling our history and celebrating our past, present and future achievements.

We would love to hear your thoughts on BHM. Feel free to share your ‘tidbits’ on the comments section below.