Imagine a pitch-black room. Suddenly, a single beam of light bursts forth, illuminating hidden stories scribbled on the walls. Stories of courage, brilliance, and resilience. Stories that have been eclipsed for far too long. That light, is Black History Month. Our annual spotlight that illuminates the rich, untold sagas of Black Britons. Turning forgotten narratives into celebrated legacies. It’s like turning on read receipts for stories that have been left on delivered for far too long.
Welcome to Stan the Culture. The podcast where we don’t just love Black culture—we stan it. I’m your host, Imara, self-proclaimed cultural anthropologist. We’re kicking off a special series that’s going to turn your October upside down—in the best way possible. A 4-part mini-series tailor made for Black History Month UK. Each episode is going to spotlight a different facet of Black British history and culture. Plus we will be giving mad props to this year’s theme, saluting our sisters. We’re not just going to give you the facts; we’re going to connect the dots, share stories, and maybe even drop a few gems you’ve never heard of. So, if you’re ready to get schooled and entertained, you better listen up, because class is officially in session!
Let’s get into it. You might think you know what Black History Month UK is about, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Black History Month, or BHM for short, is a month-long celebration honouring the achievements, contributions, and history of Black people. It started in the United States, way back in 1926, when a scholar named Carter G Woodson initiated a Negro History Week. Fast forward to the 1970s, and it had evolved into a whole month of festivities every February.
In 1987, the UK put its own spin on things when a Ghanaian analyst, journalist and pan-African activist named Akyaaba Addai Sebo advocated for it. And just like that, Black History Month UK was born! Unlike in the United States, the UK celebrates in October. Despite its roots, Black History Month in the UK isn’t just an imported American concept, it’s got its own flavour. In the U.S., Black history often centres around the Civil Rights Movement, while the UK scene is more like a cultural mish-mash. Over the years, it has morphed into something uniquely British. We’re talking about the Windrush Generation, the influence of African and Caribbean cultures, anti-racist movements, and so much more. It’s become a platform for all Black communities in the UK, including Afro-Caribbeans, Africans and Afro-Asians. It’s not just about past struggles and looking back, it’s also about present achievements and future aspirations. It is a time to celebrate our heroes, acknowledge our struggles, and embrace our fabulous and multi-faceted culture.
Black History Month is not just an occasion to highlight the greats, like Mary Seacole or Stuart Hall. It’s a time for people of all races, to recognise the richness and complexity of Black culture and history in the UK. Something that is often overlooked. One of the biggest impacts of Black History Month is on the British education system. I don’t know about you, but growing up, my history lessons were all Henry VIII and World War II. This was important but where was the African and Caribbean history? Where was the legacy of Black Britons?
When Akyaaba Addai Sebo initiated BHM in the UK, one of his key motivations was an encounter with a young Black girl who questioned her identity and existence, because she never saw herself reflected in the history she was taught. This was a tipping point that led him to push for a special time of year where the achievements and contributions of Black individuals could be highlighted in schools. The choice of October was strategic, as it’s a midpoint in the academic year, allowing schools to incorporate Black history into their curriculums effectively. This is what BHM brings to the table. Schools across the UK use this month to delve into topics that often get overlooked. And the result? A more well-rounded, culturally enriched curriculum that benefits everyone.
While Black History Month has been somewhat successful in introducing Black history into schools, critics argue that it has also ‘ghettoized’ Black history. In other words, Black history often remains confined to October and isn’t integrated into the broader British history curriculum. This has led to ongoing debates and campaigns to decolonize the UK education system, and make the teaching of Black history mandatory, not just a one-month affair.
This is a nuanced issue that reflects broader debates about representation and systemic inequality in the UK. When you confine the celebration and education of Black history to just one month, you risk making it separate from mainstream British history. It’s like saying, Here’s your month, now don’t bother us for the rest of the year. It can create the impression that Black history is a seasonal topic, not an integral part of the national narrative.
This is especially problematic when institutions, corporations, and media platforms jump on the BHM bandwagon for performative allyship. You know the drill, logos get a temporary African print makeover, there’s a sudden surge in diverse advertising, but when November comes through, they go back to business as usual.
So does this mean that we should not celebrate Black History Month? Do we just pack up the culture and wait for next October? The answer is no. It should not be a one-and-done deal. The trick is not to let the institutions off the hook once October ends. It shouldn’t be a checkbox or a marketing strategy, it should be a launchpad for systemic change. The celebration and education of Black history and culture should be a 365-day commitment, not just an October exclusive. It should open doors to discussions about systemic racism, representation, and the diversity within Blackness itself. It’s on us, the media creators, the educators, the activists, to keep that momentum going. It’s also on consumers and the public to demand more comprehensive and inclusive representations year-round.
Black History Month, despite its flaws, provides a platform and a space for important conversations, events, and education that might not happen otherwise. It’s a dedicated time when Black Britons can feel seen and celebrated in a way that’s sadly still too rare in mainstream society. For many young Black people, it might be their first encounter with their own history and heroes, outside of the usual Eurocentric curriculum.
So yes, let’s celebrate the heck out of Black History Month. Let’s use it to amplify voices, share stories, and educate. But let’s also use it as a starting point for a broader push for representation and education, not just a seasonal pat on the back for diversity. It’s not just a date on a calendar, it’s a call to action and a reminder that we’ve got history to honour and a future to shape.
Black History Month is more than just 31 days of celebration. It’s a catalyst for change, a nudge, or sometimes a shove, towards a more inclusive and enlightened society. And if that’s not worth stanning, I don’t know what is!
That’s our take on Black History Month in the UK, now we wanna hear from you. Do you have any experiences you would like to share or questions you want answered? Slide into our DMs or hit us up on social media, and we might feature your story or question in an upcoming episode.
And that’s a wrap for episode one of our Black History Month UK mini-series. Before you dip, make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss out on any of the upcoming episodes. We’ve got more heat coming your way, so tune in for the next one where will be saluting our feminist sisters.
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And remember, we don’t just love The Culture, we stan it!