Black History Month
A Brief History
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 co-ordinator 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 it has been celebrated across the UK every October with activities such as lectures, conferences, concerts and specialist programmes in community centres, 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.
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.