The theme for this year’s Black History Month ‘Black Resistance’ explores how African Americans have addressed historic and ongoing disadvantage and oppression, as evidenced by recent events. Started in the US as a week-long celebration in 1926 by Carter G Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator and publisher, in 1976 it became a month-long celebration in the US.
It was not officially celebrated in the UK until 1987 when it was organised by the activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, at the time special projects coordinator for the Greater London Council. The first Black History Month was celebrated only in London but, in the years since, the celebration has spread across the whole UK and is now celebrated annually throughout each October.
The main aims of Black History Month are to celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people throughout the world and to educate all on black history.
At the University of Birmingham this year our programme will be based around the UK Black History Month theme: Celebrating our Sisters/Saluting our Sisters/Matriarchs of Movements #WEMATTER, highlighting the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities.
Take a look at the events at the UoB during Black History Month https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/black-history-month/index.aspx
It’s great that we are seeing the ‘wonders of the world’ on our doorstep. They shouldn’t just be recognised for a month; their names and faces should be etched on every wall.