Black History Month- does it really matter?
Mural for Black History Month at Coventry University
“Black History Month must be more than just a month of remembrance; it should be a tribute to our history and reminder of the work that lies in the months and years ahead.” - Marty Meehan
In the UK Black History Month is celebrated annually throughout the month of October. It is a time to remember the history of black people and the impact the African diaspora have made in the world; whether that may be in America- where the celebration first began or the UK. it considers how groups and individuals impacted distant and recent history and how these changes happening will go on to affect future generations.
What first started as Negro History Week in the United States by Carter G. Woodsen in 1926, has quickly become a widespread acknowledgement of black excellence here in the UK. Black History Month was founded by Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo and has been celebrated since 1987. After visiting the United States in the 1970s, he decided to bring the celebration to London. Wanted it to address the identity crisis many young black people were facing at the time. It was purposely made to be celebrated in October to coincide with the academic year to help and encourage black British children a sense of identity and pride.
Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo
Over the years, Black History Month has slowly decentered the African American experience and evolved to highlight the experiences and achievements of Black British people; such as the experiences of the Windrush Generation. It has also expanded to take into account British Asians.
Although, there is some criticism of the celebration divesting from the original idea of promoting black history, and achievements and instead celebrating multiculturalism. It has also come under fire for being performative. It allows people to forget about the impact of Black people and only in engage in it in the month of October; essentially separating black British history from British history.
As part of this discussion, Coventry University has started some initiatives to help support and promote black British history this month. Coventry University will be hosting the thought leaders Mireille Harper & Seun Matiluko who will lead and present a three-part mini-series accompanied by workshops.
Visit the site here to learn more about when the events will take place
https://www.yoursu.org/ents/event/7108/
Update- 31/10/2022
Now that Black history month has come to an end Covfeed has decided to consult students on how they feel Black History was celebrated this year.
Nimo, a black student at BCU talks about her thoughts on Black History Month and how she feels it has been celebrated here in the UK
Ahmed details his views on Black History too and the efforts he believes has been made for this month’s celebration.