Founded in the in 1987 under the inspiration of visionary Baba Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, 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, especially for our children. (1)

However, since then BHM has been under threat of co-optation, regarded as little more than a local authority ‘tick-box’ exercise. (2)

So the effort to retain its original essence has been an act of self-determination, that since its inception has spawned a host of organisations and initiatives dedicated to our history such as:

https://blackhistorywalks.co.uk/
https://blackhistorystudies.com/
https://raisingblackachievement.com/
https://www.theblacksecret.co.uk/
https://blackhistoryactivitybooks.com/
https://schoolofnewafrica.com/

Control of this resource has perhaps never been more crucial given that “Most black British children report experiencing racism at school.” (3) This can lead to not only low attainment but also destructive (including self) behaviour and criminalisation. (4)

For those that dismiss history as irrelevant facts from the past. Warrior Ancestor and Grand Master Teacher Baba John Henrik Clarke reminds us:

“History is a clock that people use to tell their political and cultural time of day. It is also a compass that people use to find themselves on the map of of human geography. History tells a people where they are and what they are. Most important history tells a people where they still must go and what they still must be. The relationship of a history to a people is the same as a mother to a child.” (5)

(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.

(3) Sally Weale (29/10/20) Most black British children report experiencing racism at school. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/29/most-black-british-children-report-experiencing-racism-at-school; Laura Swiszczowski (09/03/22) We need to talk about racism in the UK education system. https://www.teachfirst.org.uk/blog/racism-uk-schools

(4) IRR News Team (28/09/20) How Black Working-Class Youth are Criminalised and Excluded in the English School System. https://irr.org.uk/article/beyond-the-pru-to-prison-pipeline/

(5) St. Clair Bourne(1996) John Henrik Clarke: A Great and Mighty Walk. Black Dot Media

We ask the question:

How can Black History empower our Children?

1) How effectively are we conveying Black History to our children?

2) To what extent has BHM “elevated the Afrikan personality” in the public sphere?

3) Is BHM now essentially a ‘tick-box’ exercise for local councils?

4) With all the grassroots Black History organisations/resources, should we have fully independent BHM?

Our Special Guests:

Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement and an Afrikan-Centred Education Consultant. Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of almost 40 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.

Bro. Shenuti Jegna: is an experienced community historian, organiser and co-ordinator of the Afrocentricity International UK Chapter. Bro. Jegna was formerly the host of the Afrocentricity Bookman show every Sunday from 4pm to 6pm on Bless Radio.

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