Origins of Black History Month

Black History Month (BHM) has been celebrated every October in Britain for over 23 years. BHM is an occasion for celebrating the rich diversity of black and ethnic minority people and their contributions to British culture and society. The aims are to:

• Promote knowledge of Black History and experience
• To recognise and promote the historical contribution that BME communities have made
• To encourage school and community partnerships in exploring the histories of BME communities
• To develop Black history as an educational tool for understanding, addressing and overcoming existing barriers to racial equality
• Disseminate information on positive BME contributions to British society
• Heighten the confidence and awareness of BME people in their cultural heritage.

The origins of BHM go back to 1926 when Carter G Woodson, editor for thirty years of the Journal of Negro History, established African Caribbean celebrations in America. It is still celebrated there in February each year. In Britain, the BHM has now grown to over 1400 events.

Black History Month (BHM) has been celebrated in October/November since 1987, when it emerged as part of the African jubilee year Marcus Garvey celebrations. 2008 had particular significance as it marked the 60th anniversary of the arrival at Tilbury Docks of the SS Empire Windrush. There are many exhibitions across London highlighting the rich & vital contributions made by the 500 men and women who made that historic journey.