Black History Month 2024

Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate, and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. This year’s theme of Reclaiming Narratives encourages members of the Black community to shape how their stories are told.

Black History Month was first celebrated in the UK in 1987 when it was recognised at the African Jubilee. It fell on the same year as the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean. The first event was organised through Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo and the UK now celebrates Black History Month every October.

Black History Month was originally founded in the 1920s in the United States by Carter G Woodson, an American historian, author and journalist, who worked to promote black history in schools throughout his life. During the second week of February 1926, he launched the first Black History week, to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Both figures have been celebrated by black communities, due to their significant roles in helping to end slavery.

This month is a time for our One Community to come together and celebrate the rich and diverse history, culture, and achievements of the Black community.