Black History Month 2011
The 1st of October is the first day of a whole month dedicated to black history!
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month is a whole month dedicated to remembering important people and events in history with African or African-Caribbean origin.
Annually marking black history was initiated in America in 1926 by Carter Godwin Woodson.
Initially the celebrations were for a week; however the first Black History Month started in 1976.
It is celebrated annually in February in the United States of America and Canada and in October in the UK and Northern Ireland.
Why have a whole Black History Month and not just one day?
Black people have only ever been remembered as slaves and not for the massive contributions many people of African and African-Caribbean made to science, medicine, politics and much more and therefore it was decided that a whole month should be dedicated to celebrate these achievements.
Many people feel that it is just as relevant today as it was in 1926.
Young black children will always need to be reminded about the main theme to Black History Month – which is NOT to remember slavery and slave days but to remember the greatness and TOLERANCE we should all have as a nation.
What you can do
Research one of the many great black achievers, someone to look IN TO not UP TO as we can still learn a lot about the struggles fought and won. Many of the skills we will find in these greats we can mirror in ourselves in order to be the greats of tomorrow.
Martin Luther King
Who was he?
He was born on the 15th January 1929 and named Michael Luther King Junior but later changed his name to Martin.
He was much more than his ‘I have a dream’ speech. He led massive social and political changes and advancements for African and African-Caribbean’s without any use of violence.
‘Why we can’t wait’ is a fantastic book written by Martin Luther King. It gives a personal insight into a fantastically focused man, who has huge respect for others and is proud and happy with the skin he is in!
Black History Month is a time to remember that we are a diverse nation and will forever be relevant to inspire youngsters from whatever race they come from, to make for a better future.
Links for further information
Profiles of prominent black males
Profiles of prominent black females
Find out what is going on in your area by visiting your local library, your local council website or see if there is something on our Your Local
Read about Black History Month came to the UK
With thanks to Monica Hall
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