Black History Month
‘Time for Change: Action not Words’
Black Excellence
Black History Month UK | a brief history
Black History Month UK (BHM) serves as a national celebration of Black contribution, heritage & culture to British society, and to foster an understanding of Black history in general.
Originally initiated in 1987 by Ghanaian-born Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, a special projects officer at the Greater London Council, a month-long schedule of events is held each year in October based on foundations of community activism, self-pride & education. This proceeds original dates celebrated in the USA since 1926. Events may include, but are not exclusive to, museum exhibitions, local gatherings, debate, live music, educational forum, parades, protests, political lobbying, fundraising, corporate training & street parties.
BHM UK has since expanded to feature stories and highlight those of Asian & Caribbean communities, as well as African, in reference to Britain’s ‘island story’. And continues to build importance on tackling identity crises that these communities may experience.
In modern times, BHM also takes stock of where systemic racism persists & provides a platform to the people & organisations creating change & fighting for equality.
Black History Month importance
Black History Month UK has historically always been focussed primarily within a colonial perspective. And Black ‘stories’ are often omitted from school curriculums despite the UK’s strong connection with Africa, the Caribbean & India.
Whilst it is widely debated that curricula should teach black history all year round, October allows an opportunity for society to recognise & learn about the valuable contributions made in the UK by these communities, lesser well-known stories & for education to stimulate progressiveness & reclamation of history, heritage & representation.
In recent times, and after the global reaction of George Floyd’s murder in April 2020, many are more aware than ever before of the inequalities faced by ethnic minorities in the U.K. today.
Wartime Warrior
VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/676290028
Where does racism come from?
Racism has a long history, much of it rooted in the actions of powerful nations like the UK & the USA but also France, Spain & Germany, who explored the world & imposed law & customs removing dignity, freedom & power for local communities.
Colonisation & national expansion began to instil systemic racism by way of categorising local communities by ethnicity & the colour of their skin. And in turn, this created stereotypes & racial divisions in society.
Racism | definition
Racism, as defined by Oxford Languages, is “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism by an individual, community, or institution against a person or people on the basis of their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalised”.
The UN defines ‘racial discrimination’ shall mean “any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin that has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights & fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life”.
Can Kids Change The World?
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b3Y9xVvQzw
There are never any acceptable excuses for racism.
There is no excuse to make someone feel sad, anxious & isolated for simply being who they are.
Imagine how it would feel to be targeted & humiliated for something you cannot change.
Our differences make us unique & should be celebrated.
Hate Crime | closer detail
In most crimes it is something the victim has in their possession or control that motivates the offender to commit the crime. With Hate Crime it is ‘who’ the victim is, or ‘what’ the victim appears to be that motivates the offender to commit the crime.
Hate Crime is “any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s identity or perceived identity (Disability, Race, Faith, Sexual Orientation, and Transgender Identity, as well as Age and Alternative Subculture)”
What can Hate Crime or Hate incidents look like?
Nationwide Campaign
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdUUD7jcMVs
What is an Upstander?
Upstanders choose not stand by and allow harmful behaviour to continue.
They:
How can I be an Upstander?
Focus on the behaviour, not the person
Use “I” statements
Be a friend to the person targeted, show them they are not alone
Withdraw and tell a trusted adult – local authority or report to the Police
If you feel you can, have a conversation later on with the
person involved
Remember to call 999
if there is immediate danger to anyone
Assess how safe it is to take action. �Green is the safest.
I think they may shout or get aggressive.
They may target me.
There are too many, I don’t feel safe.
I’m nervous, this is really uncomfortable.
I know I can talk to them when we get some space.
Perhaps I can help them understand how harmful their words were.
Anti-racist or just non-racist?
Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself’
– IJEOMA OLUO
Black History Month | Time for Change: Action Not Words
The theme for Black History Month UK 2022 is ‘Time for Change: Action Not Words’; highlighting that while there is history that can be acknowledged & learned from, that we cannot move forward without action & working together, challenging barriers, to achieve shared goals of equality & equity.
It’s time to practice what you preach & become an ally for the long-term. All the while celebrating & supporting Black culture, heritage & contribution.
“Black people are often given the double burden of experiencing racism & discrimination, & then being expected to fix it. Hopefully, by making the theme of this year’s Black History Month ‘Time for Change: Action not Words’, we can come together to make a change for the better” – Black History Month UK
Black History | The Future…
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrKBNwrBAPc