Black History Month - October

Black History Month (BHM) is held every October in Britain and the aim is to:

• Promote knowledge of Black History and experience.
• Disseminate information on positive Black contributions to British society.
• Heighten the confidence and awareness of Black people in their cultural heritage.

The origins of Black History month go back to 1926 when Carter G Woodson, editor for many years of the journal of Negro History, established Afro Caribbean celebrations in America. In Britain the BHM has now grown to over 1400 events and number of events is still growing at all times.

The focus on African and Caribbean heritage pre-dates the work of London Strategic Policy Unit, who as part of the African Jubilee year in 1987 were designated to establish the event.

People from the black community have been promoting their arts and culture for many years. Examples can be traced to Barry Edmonds in Manchester, (Caribbean Week in the 70s), or Eric and Jessica Huntley from Ealing, who regularly organised a Caribbean Week in the 70s and early 80s. Pascall, who established, on BBC Radio London, the Black Londoners programme which went from a monthly, to a weekly, and then to a daily programme. These are just a few examples of people who contributed to such events.

The Black History Month seeks to support the grass roots celebrations of black culture and heritage.

Locally, the launch of the Black History month takes place in Luton and the details of the venue and dates will be available nearer the time. There is a brochure of all the events taking place locally and a limited number are available from the Projects and Performance Team using the details below.

Contact

If you need assistance in reading any documents on these pages or would like further information please contact:

Corporate Project and Performance Team,
South Bedfordshire District Council,
The District Offices,
High Street North,
Dunstable,
Bedfordshire, LU6 1LF

Telephone: 0845 849 6090