Black History Month
About Black History Month
Black History Month is the month in which African history and heritage is celebrated throughout the UK. Such celebrations are owed to Dr Carter G Woodson, an American black scholar, who noticed from his studies that history books largely ignored the black American population. After establishing the Association for the study of Negro Life and History and founding the journal of Negro History, Woodson launched Negro History Week in 1926. This aimed to bring national attention to the contributions of black people through American History.
This history week was chosen to be the second week in February by Woodson as it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly impacted on the American black population: Frederick Douglas an American abolitionist who worked to end slavery and Abraham Lincoln, the American President who freed slaves during the civil war.
In the UK BHM emerged as part of the African Jubilee Year for Marcus Garvey Centenary celebrations in America. Akyaaba Addai Sebbo coordinator of Special Projects at the Greater London Council (GLC) is acknowledged as the originator in the UK, with the first event in 1987. Since then BHM has grown to over 6,000 events being celebrated across the UK every October with activities such as lectures, conferences, concerts and specialist programmes in community centers, schools, libraries and museums which highlight and celebrate the achievements and contributions that Black people have made to the development of British society, technology, economy and culture.
Useful links...
Black History Month in Wales
BHM Wales engages, educates and empowers individuals, community groups and Wales-wide communities in recognising the contribution that the African Diaspora has made in the history of Wales’ economic and cultural development. It also allows the wider community to take part, learn and celebrate together to promote understanding and share our global history.
Wales arguably hosts one of the first truly multi-cultural cities in the world where numerous races have lived side-by-side in harmony for many decades. Wales remains aware and proud of its diversity and rich past and it celebrates a great tradition of sharing stories and welcoming visitors from around the world.
Telling Our Own Stories
Black History Month Wales 2010 will focus on stories. Stories for African Diaspora people by African Diaspora people. These stories will be collected throughout September and October in partnership with sister bodies and member groups across Wales.
Groups in key areas including Carmarthenshire, Newport, Swansea, Wrexham, Aberdare, Hay-on-Wye, Holyhead and Cardiff will identify and record these aural histories preserving the lives and times of ‘Black Wales’ during the 50’s. Inter-generational workshops will see community elders and young people share passed down stories and memories around 7 themes:
• Coal Mining
• Steel
• Family & Identity
• Sport
• Youth & Children
• Tiger Bay
• Entertainment
The recorded conversations and interviews will be passed on to writers and will form the basis of an original play produced by newly established company – International Theatre Wales. This play will be produced for BHM 2011 and will premier at the redeveloped Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The play will then be made available to individual audiences in schools and cultural centres across Wales.
The added value to this is that through the emergence of new stories gathered over the next few years, we can add to the plays content and adapt it to suit different audiences.
Black History Month Wales 2010
Due to last year’s success, the Wales Millennium Centre has requested a return to the venue. The status of this venue situated in the heart of Butetown (a community where diversity first came to Wales) has enabled us to greatly improve relations in the local community and communities across Wales in recognizing the importance in promoting Black History Month is and taken seriously by not only the ACW and Cardiff Council, but by all levels of decision makers governing Wales.
Activities will begin in September 2010 and will again be developed with the help of a Black History Month working group that will consist of individuals and interested parties from the voluntary and public sector supporting the workers and volunteers at BVNSW.
The all Wales workshops will:
• Target schools, community venues and BME and women’s groups
• Utilise different art forms, BME artists and educational processes
• Feed into the play’s development
• Gather stories and aural histories revolving around the 7 themes mentioned above
• Establish Black History education that engages people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds of all ages including those from the indigenous community of Wales
BHM Wales will co-ordinate a one day extravaganza on Saturday 30th October to celebrate Black History Month at the Wales Millennium Centre. starting at 12pm with entertainment, workshops, guest speakers, market stalls and more. Cardiff will once more, play host to all the regions of Wales.
Outcomes:
• Engagement and support of BME communities throughout Wales whilst raising their profile to wider communities
• Employment and promotion of BME Artist Database members
• Recording of 6 individual collections of stories covering the 7 themes
• 37 workshops across Wales
• Celebration event for up to 5,000 people
• Launch event for up to 100 people
• Racial harmony and social cohesion
• Exhibition of Black Female Role Models and Sporting Heroes (to tour afterwards)
Black History Month 2009
Celebrated in the Heart of Butetown, Cardiff.
Black History Month (BHM) 2009 this year cumulated in an all day event at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff on 31st October.
This built on last years historic event that involved simultaneous workshops held across Wales for the first time ever.
The activities involved this year focussed on children, teenagers and adults participating in arts, crafts, gospel, rap, creative murals, family trees, percussion and mask making.
The celebrations were again sponsored by the Arts Council of Wales and Cardiff Council.
The Millennium centre was transformed into an interactive cultural experience offering performances, workshops, motivational speeches and exhibitions exploring ‘African/Black History’.
The event was facilitated by the Black Voluntary Sector Network Wales who, with the support of over 40 volunteers, have a proven track record of organizing engaging and diverse events throughout Wales.
Entertainment showcased on the day was provided by artists from BVSNW’s Black and Minority Ethnic Artist Database.
BHM 2008
Black History Month (BHM) 2008 proved a milestone historic event with simultaneous workshops held across Wales for the first time ever. The activities involved children, teenagers and adultsparticipating in arts, crafts, gospel, rap, creative murals, family trees, percussion and mask making.
The All-Wales BHM 2008 programme was funded by The Arts Council for Wales and Cardiff Council with the additional support of various sponsors and was shaped and managed by a multi agency partnership.
The event was staffed by over 50 volunteers and members of BVSNW and the project panel. The venue was transformed into an interactive cultural experience and was officially opened with a traditional parade of African drummers and dancers.
The host for the day was Linda Mitchell who was formerly head of diversity at the BBC.
The participants weaved their way through a packed main hall that was filled with information stalls, colourful goods, displays and presentations.
Keynote speakers on the day included:
Leanne Wood AM, Councillor Judith Woodman – Deputy leader
Throughout the day participants were engaged in a variety of activities:
children spent hours outside on the giant inflatable assault course provided by the Army, parents and young people enjoyed films and black history workshops, mask making, exhibitions, African drumming sessions, Caribbean food, dance workshops and in particular the black history quiz.
A marked favourite of the day were the Capoeira workshops. In addition, motivational sessions for young people were held with local hero and former champion boxer Steve Robinson, Vaughan Gething – president of Wales TUC and Nigel Walker.
After an amazing day of learning, sharing and entertainment, the event was brought to a close by Jane Hutt AM (Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills) who summed up the importance of what we had achieved over the month.