“Monjola’s Insights” The Growing Holistic Celebration of Black History

18 Oct “Monjola’s Insights” The Growing Holistic Celebration of Black History

First celebrated in the UK during 1987, Black History Month has continued to fulfil its multi-functional purpose in society. It celebrates, enlightens, and commemorates – all in the name of sharing and understanding the impact of black heritage on our world. When the month first began to be celebrated, it was easy to identify a considerable focus on American history, and it was used to honour events of black people from periods in the US timeline. Perhaps a certain way to celebrate it transpired over to Britain from the US, as this is where black history was first commemorated in the 1920s. However, this may have been creating a bigger disconnect from black history after some time, as the narratives seemed overrepresented, causing an overshadowing of British history which is so distinct from the Black American struggle. Consequently, a type of shared conceptual roadmap of what black history was, generated from the limited stories that were positioned to overarch the history and significance of all black people. Renowned names such as Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and Malcom X – and acclaimed events like The Jim Crow Era and The Civil Rights movement were at one point at risk of being all that was confidently associated with black history.

However, the past BLM movements in their width, mark an instance of worldly effort in black history and so display growth from the foundational idea that the US alone was capable of amassing protest condemning racial inequality.  While some may argue that the concept and systematic triggers of the movement cannot be deemed ‘history’, the specific 2020 movements of it are part of black history and will someday be taught as the transformative global element within it. The history curriculum at our school has also showcased a less narrowed version of black history, having gone through reform to combine modules dedicated to both US and British events; and now form a more inclusive and effective awareness of black presence in our history.

I find it coherent with the theme of BHM, Reclaiming Narratives, to shed light on the origins of Black History Month in the UK, to contribute to the mission to recognise and correct historical inaccuracies, and build increasingly comprehensive foundations for knowledge about the month itself. As mentioned above, Black History Month in the UK first began in 1987, the 150^th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the Caribbean. It was launched, by a man named Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who came to the UK from Ghana as a refugee in 1984 and intended to celebrate black heritage and challenge racism. He worked for the Greater London Council alongside Ken Livingstone as a
Co-ordinator of Special Projects. October was chosen as a month for celebration partly due to it being at the beginning of the academic year, making it a timely opportunity for a sense of identity to be promoted in black students.

Furthermore, it goes without saying that the understanding of leading black individuals in Britain is fundamental to maintain an accurate narrative of the positive contributions of black Britons to black history, and simultaneously British history. It helps reinforce the narrative of their special significance to cardinal fields and institutions in Britain. An honourable mention is Kofoworola Abeni Pratt, the first black nurse in the NHS in 1950-1954, well known for her work on better nursing training in her home country of Nigeria, but rarely known in the UK despite her unmatched dedication to nursing. She achieved the Florence Nightingale medal in 1973, and later in 1979 was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Nursing. Additionally, black Britons’ diligence and commitment also surround us at a local level – our own Jo Richardson being a prime example.

She was the MP for Barking for a notable twenty years, from 1974-1994 and, simultaneously, a significant peace campaigner. Her role as a prominent feminist left figure, led to her helping to expand and develop women’s rights.  Even while suffering from severe illness, she continued to vote from her wheelchair in the House of Commons, sometimes being transported via ambulance – emphasising a remarkable resilience towards her work.

Overarchingly, Black History Month has so much capability to provide opportunity for the unraveling of black culture and, in turn, an appreciation for the black race, by those who make it up and those of other races. The month instills pride in the black collective and their contributions, proving to have a major role in society – and this will always be achieved while the most holistic version of black history is commemorated throughout as well as beyond October.