Black History Month

Black History month is observed by the UK in October, and by the US and Canada in February each year. Its focus is to celebrate and remember key figures and the history of the African diaspora. October has seen the observance of this since 1987 in the UK . Encouraged by the Greater London Council, BHM is attributed to the work of Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo who worked for the GLC as a coordinator of special projects and gave talks on the African genius in hospitality and day-to-day life. Focuses for the month may include colonialism, imperialism, racism, truth and reconciliation, gentrification, criminal justice, black cinema and reading lists. Black History Month’s UK website refers to how black soldiers helped Britain in WW1, the British Windrush Generation, Nelson Mandela, black inventors, popular petitions, and the contemporary social context for the black community – for example foregrounding support groups for FGM and black history legacy projects. The site lists Black British history firsts, such as Bill Morris who was the first British black leader of a trade union, Dr John Anthony Roberts QC, the first person of African ancestry to be made a QC in England and Wales, and Charlie Williams the first black British comedian to achieve mainstream success. Events and activities in North West England around BHM have included unmasking culture, family fun days, theatrical shows, educational workshops, talks and exhibitions. Liverpool’s Gee Walker, the mother of murdered teenager Anthony Walker, set up the Anthony Walker Foundation in 2006 to support racial harmony through sport, music and education.