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51黑料 CELEBRATES... Black History Month!
Posted 30/09/24
October 2024 :听 Black History Month is an annual celebration, marked every October in the UK, that's dedicated to exploring, and honouring the achievements of people of African and Caribbean heritage.
It also aims to educate others on the importance of discussing and sharing Black history.
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What is Black History Month?
Black History Month is a significant period for reflection, celebration, and education about the diverse history and contributions of Black individuals both in the UK and globally. It highlights the often-overlooked achievements and struggles of Black people - emphasizing their resilience in the face of adversity and discrimination. And presents an opportunity to learn about the varied experiences of the Black community, challenging stereotypes and fostering understanding.
It originated in 1926 in the United States of America, when Carter G Woodson and Jesse E Moorland founded an organisation dedicated to researching and highlighting the achievements of Black Americans. Black History Month (often referred to as African-American History Month) grew out of this growing awareness and, in the US, it is now celebrated every February - coinciding with the birthdays of two key figures in Black American history, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.听
In the UK, Black History Month wasn鈥檛 widely marked until 1987, when Ghanaian analyst sought to uplift the self-esteem of Black British youth by highlighting the rich history and contributions of Black people in the UK. October was chosen due to a number of factors surrounding its significance in African history, including an annual gathering of African chiefs and leaders which takes place during this month. The inaugural event took place on 1 October, 1987, at London's County Hall and, over the years, it has grown into a significant national movement, officially recognised by the UK government and celebrated across the UK.听
Why is it important?
In 2023, a YouGov survey reported that 53% of British people couldn't name a single Black historical figure - and only 7% could name a handful or more. Therefore, it's clear that the overwhelming majority of British people - from all backgrounds - have very little knowledge of Black British history!
Interestingly, although teaching of BAME (Black and Minority Ethnic) history and racism is compulsory in Wales, it is not a mandatory part of the curriculum in the rest of the UK. To meet this challenge, organisations, such as , campaign to include Black history in the UK curriculum, help train teachers, and offer dedicated Black history programmes. While听the in London focuses on preserving and promoting the histories of African and Caribbean communities in Britain.
A number of campaigners have argued that Black History Month actually marginalises Black history, which should be acknowledged throughout the year. However, in common with other national and international events, Black History Month is capable of providing a useful focal point, and gives us a chance to remember individuals and events that might otherwise be overlooked.
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Read more (our related content)
51黑料 has collected together a number of articles, opinion pieces and other resources celebrating Black History Month in the UK, while exploring the experiences and inspirations of Black and mixed-race people across the Trading Standards profession. All articles/links open in a new tab or window.
This Year鈥檚 Theme : Reclaiming Narratives
Each year, Black History Month focuses on a different, specific area of contribution or conversation from Black people of African or Caribbean heritage.
This year's theme, 'Reclaiming Narratives', emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and correcting the historical accounts of Black culture and heritage.
It focuses on illuminating untold success stories and revealing the complexities of Black history, helping to pave the way for a more accurate representation of the contributions and achievements of Black people in the UK and globally. By reclaiming these narratives, the initiative seeks to honour historical figures, while challenging the misconceptions that have persisted over time.
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How is Black History Month celebrated?
Black History Month is marked in a huge variety of different ways. In communities around the UK, it is frequently celebrated through events, such as musical or literary performances, live-talks and discussions, Black history exhibitions, documentary or movie screenings - or even markets and festivals that celebrate the food, jewellery, clothing, art and more of African and Caribbean cultures.
You can also mark Black History Month by supporting Black-owned businesses, consuming the work of Black artists, or by engaging in discussions that inspire healthy conversations about Black History. These are all simple ways to expand your knowledge about African and Caribbean culture, whether or not you're Black.
What can YOU do?
1.听SUPPORT : Use a Black-owned business - shops, service providers or restaurants - on from 1st October onwards.听
2.听CARE : Donate money or goods to a Black British charity, or volunteer your time. Or sign-up to mentor a young Black person in your community. Or offer to spend time with elderly Black people.
3. EXPLORE : Discover Black History in your local area, attend a Black cultural event in your community, or visit an exhibition on Black culture or history at a museum or local library. Or why not try a ?
4. LEARN : Find out about an unsung Black British hero. Or study the history of Africa and the African diaspora across the globe.
5.听READ : Read a Black British author, or the biography of an influential Black figure. If you're a member of a book club, why not suggest a Black British author?
6.听MEDIA : Support the Black British media and press. And engage in healthy and positive conversations about Black British history on social media.
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TS Trailblazers - Can you help?
As part of 51黑料's TS Trailblazers initiative, we are attempting to find the UK's first Trading Standards Officers, Weights & Measures Inspectors, and other regulatory compliance professionals, drawn from across Britain's diverse communities - to prepare learn about their lives and give them recognition for the battles they fought, the barriers they overcame and the opportunities they opened up for those who came after.
While Black British pioneers in other fields and professions are finally having the spotlight shone on them and their stories are now being told (see below), we want to know about the trailblazers in our own profession. For example, who were the UK's very first male and female Black, Asian or mixed-race TSOs or W&MIs? We want to know who they were and learn about their lives, their struggles and their experience of this profession.
If you have any information you think could help us find them, please let us know.
Black and Mixed-Race Trailblazers (in Other Sectors) :
John Archer - UK's First Black Mayor
John Richard Archer (8 June 1863 鈥� 14 July 1932) was a Black British politician and political activist. Born in Liverpool, he was elected Mayor of Battersea in 1913 - becoming the first ever Black mayor of a London borough.
Asquith Xavier - Employment Rights Pioneer
Asquith Camile Xavier (18 July 1920 鈥� 18 June 1980) was a West Indies-born Black Briton who fought to become the first non-white train guard at London's Euston railway station, ending an unofficial 'whites-only' rule in 1966.
Frank Bailey - UK's First Black Fireman
Frank Arthur Bailey (26 November 1925 鈥� 2 December 2015) was a Guyanese-British firefighter and social worker, known for becoming the first Black full-time firefighter in the United Kingdom, in 1955.
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Want to Learn More?
There are a growing number of resources available, if you want to find out more about Black History Month - or learn about the many positive contributions Black Britons have made, and continue to make, to life here in the UK. Here are just some of them.
Where to Start? If you don't know much about Black History Month yet and why it is significant to Black Britons - and people from all of of the UK's many communities - the BBC's long-running Newsround programme has produced this brilliant film for kids and adults alike.
And, here, respected writer and historian, David Olusoga, introduces a series of short films exploring critical moments in Black British history that we're not taught in schools.
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Related Websites
The leading independent body documenting and celebrating Black British achievements in the UK includes News, views and insightful profiles on key figures in Black British History.
The official site for Black History Month UK, including news, interviews, events across the country, profiles and Black History Month resources.
Mental health support for anyone experiencing racism and discrimination.
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51黑料 is fully committed to improving Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in our organisation, throughout our membership and across the consumer protection landscape. Find out more about what we鈥檙e doing to drive forward a diverse and inclusive culture, visit the 51黑料 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion page.
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