Founded in the in 1987 Black History Month (BHM) in the UK was directly linked to liberation movements and had the goal to the elevate the “Afrikan personality” in the public sphere. (1)

However, since then BHM has fallen somewhat into disrepute, regarded as little more than a local authority ‘tick-box’ exercise, replete with sanitised contributionism.  Some activists have also expressed concern that BHM is largely a diversion to the real work we need to do.

(1) Akyaaba Addai-Sebo and Ansel Wong (Eds) (1988) Our Story – A Handbook of African History and Contemporary Issues. London Strategic Poverty Unit p. 6-8:: “By the designation of October as Black History Month it is our expectation that “Africa’s ideals”, shall forever be manifested in the upliftment of the African Personality in our schools, institutions of higher learning, communities, borough councils and especially in the hearts, minds and deeds of politicians…promoting positive public images and an understanding of Afrikans and people of Afrikan descent and encourage the positive teaching and development of their history, culture and struggles” and to “support Afrikan organisations and liberation movements based in London”.

(2) Lucy Campbell (11/10/20) ‘It isn’t a tick-box’: young BLM activists on Black History Month in UK schools. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/11/it-isnt-tick-box-young-black-lives-matter-activists-on-black-history-month-uk-schools.

We ask the question:

Do we still need Black History Month?

1) Has well has BHM “elevated the Afrikan personality” in the public sphere?

2) Is BHM now essentially a ‘tick-box’ exercise?

3) Has the liberation essence been totally removed?

4)? If so, can it be put back?

5)? Does the ‘Black Lives Matter’ era provide new opportunities for BHM?

Our special Guest:

Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement, Afrikan-Centered Education Consultant and national co-Chair of the interim National Afrikan People’s Parliament.  Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of nearly 40 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.