Since its inception 38 years ago, Black History Month in the UK has survived attempted rebrands and accusations of being racist. (1) Yet it has arguably veered some way from its original objective of “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)
But what BHM UK has done is firmly establish itself in the community calendar. It is accompanied by a corporate looking website and magazine that has garnered the support of different arms of the UK establishment like the military, police services and local authortities (https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/).
They also nominate a theme each year that is “chosen collaboratively by organisations, community groups, and individuals but it is optional and anyone may opt for a theme that suits their needs.” (3)
As we approach the 40th anniversary in two years time, the founder Baba Akyaaba Addai-Sebo has put out the call to use our “creative antennas” to “fill 2027 October with great content.” (4) Grassroots organisers must see this as challenge to re-infuse the liberation agenda back into BHM. By way of example we can look at the case of the charity Visions and Aspirations that organised the Lion’s Story programme back in 2013 in conjunction with Mama Afrika Kulcha Shap were most of the events were held.
The Lion’s Story was possibly the most extensive BHM programmes ever delivered by single organisation, grassroots at that, and with no government funding. It comprised twenty-two events over the thirty-one days of the month divided into four themes: Black History & Culture; Health & Vitality; Film & Literature and Business & Finance.
Contributors included: The Black History Man Bro. Robin Walker, Eld Cecil Gutzmore, Bro. Menelik Shabazz, Bro. Tony Warner, The Roots Doctor, PowerSis, 100 Black Women of London, The Mariandina Foundation, Sis. Kai Ouadagou-Mbandaka, Bro. ShakaRa and Bro Asari St. Hill among others. Topics covered included: The History of Black History Month, Afrikans and the Caribbean Experience, West Afrikan Empires, Yaa Asantewaa Monologues, Help! I wanna Go Natural, Introduction to Egyptian Yoga, The Story of Lovers Rock, Black Superheros and 7 Empowerment Lessons from Black Wall Street.
The programme was revived the following year on a smaller scale at a range of different venues. This time the local authority was involved in that provided in kind funding through the use of venues (libraries). The programme last run in 2020.
That one organisation was able to curate such an extensive programme while avoiding so many of the cliches that have come to be associated with BHM is itself historic. It certainly indicates what can be achieved when we, on the words of Patrice Lumumba, “work in freedom.” (5)
1) Sally Weale and Robert Booth (30/09/18) Councils condemned for ‘shameful’ rebranding of Black History Month. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/30/councils-condemned-for-shameful-rebranding-of-black-history-month; Rachel Wearmouth (03/10/21) Black History Month becoming ‘racism history month’, claims Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/fury-minister-kemi-badenoch-claims-25341328
2) 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:
3) The Black Curriculum (07/10/25) Black History Month. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1489956698775950&set=a.950695622702063
4) TheSistaShaniceShow (03/09/25) Know Your Pan-African Responsibility. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z_NASy70aw.
5) Patrice Lumumba (30/06/60) Speech At Proclamation Of Independence. https://www.columbia.edu/itc/history/mann/w3005/lumumba.html
we ask the question:
How do we revive the vision of BLACK HISTORY MONTH? Pt. 2
1) Has BHM UK become too corporate?
2) Is there enough grassroots input?
3) What lessons can we learn from the Lion’s Story programme?
4) How should prepare for the 40th anniversary?
Our Special Guest:
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 over 40 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.
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