Black History Month is an annual event held nationally every October, and is a major cultural celebration in Britain. It raises awareness of African and Caribbean history and cultural heritage, and highlights achievements and contributions that Black people have made to British Society.
Black History Month has its origins in the United States, where February has been recognised as Black History Month since 1926. Britain first celebrated in October 1987 as part of African Jubilee Year.
There are more events being held each year, which provide unique opportunities celebrate and share African and Caribbean history, as well as to educate and discuss the role that black people have played in shaping the history of the world. It provides role models, and highlights the positive aspects of ethnic diversity. Most of London's councils and an increasing number of organisations now get involved.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS
Find out what's on for Black History Month 2011. Take part in workshops, creative events, see films, and theatre performances, there are hundreds of BHM events to choose from.
DAVID MICHAEL LIVING HISTORY
David Michael offers his living history presentation to all groups and organisations with an interest in policing, criminal justice, community safety, cohesion, and the rule of law.
RAF & BLACK HISTORY
When people celebrate Black History Month, the RAF may not be the first thing they think of when looking at outstanding contributions and courage in the Armed Forces.
CY GRANT
Black History, once a year: cure or concession? An exploration by Cy Grant. I have come to question more and more, the true motives behind this annual sequence of events.
CARIBBEAN LANGUAGES
These events will be of interest and relevance to a range of people preparing for the 2009 Autumn Black History Season, including Teachers from Early Years, Schools and Colleges and Staff working in Offender Services.
QUEEN NANNY
Find out more about Queen Nanny.
CARTER G WOODSON
Read more on his contribution to Black History.
IMPORTANT DATES IN THE CARIBBEAN
National days, independence days, and other important holidays.
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IMPORTANT DATES
- 1807: law for the Abolition of the Slave Trade.
- 1833: British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act giving all slaves in the British Empire their freedom.
- February 3, 1870: The 15th Amendment was passed, granting blacks the right to vote in th U.S.A.
- February 23, 1870:
The first black U.S. senator, Hiram R. Revels (1822-1901), took his oath of office
- February 21, 1965:
Malcolm X, Minister and National Spokesman for the Nation of Islam in the USA, was fatally shot.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH LINKS
Click here for Black History links from the UK and around the world. Black History links