We are now nearing the end of October, a month that celebrates black history and this is a great time to reflect on the importance and significance of remembering black history in the UK.
Black history is important internationally and should be remembered all year round, however October (in the UK) is specifically dedicated to remember and acknowledge black history.
British culture is diverse and our cultural diversity has grown ever since the Windrush generation of the 1940s-1970s where there was an influx of migrants from the Caribbean to the UK, and this has shaped British society ever since.
Notable black British historical figures include Mary Seacole, who was a business woman and nurse during the Crimean war and came from Jamaican descent but migrated to the UK and will forever be remembered as a role model for her overcoming of adversity as a black woman in the 19th century.
More modern examples of British black figures include Diane Abbott, who was the first black woman elected to parliament and is now the longest serving black MP.
Although black history month is celebrated in February in the US, October was chosen as the dedicated month for celebrating black history in the UK as it is traditionally when African chiefs and leaders gathered to discuss important matters.
The first black history month celebration in the UK was in 1987, and 37 years later the tradition continues as black history is still remembered and taught in schools in the month of October.
British black history should be remembered all year round, however now that October is coming to an end, this is a perfect time to reflect and educate yourself on not only British black history but international British black history.
You can do this by: reading a book by a black author, if fiction is your thing perhaps pick up a copy of ‘The colour purple’ by Alice walker or if non-fiction is more your to taste ‘Black and British’ by David Olusage.
If you’re not a book lover and prefer some more visual stimulation, Netflix has an entire collection dedicated to Black history, ranging from documentaries to re-enactments of black historical figures' life stories.
Or if you're lacking some free time you can always read another article on black history or black history month, such as this one, to get a quick dose of black historical education.
However you celebrate or remember black history month, it is important to reflect upon the significance and necessity of this month when acknowledging the relevance of black history in modern day.
