For those of you who aren’t aware, Black History Month is an observation that takes place in the month of October each year. For over 30 years, BHM has encouraged the population to recognise the contributions that people of African and Caribbean backgrounds have made to the UK over many generations. People are also often encouraged to show their support to black communities in a number of ways such as:
- Supporting their local black-owned businesses
- Learning about noteworthy black figures and their contributions
- To donate to charities that support anti-racism equity and equality
- Purchasing, reading, and sharing books by black authors
- Supporting and learning about black women
Each year BHM UK gives a theme for us to focus on with this year’s campaign being titled “Proud to Be”. Its goal is to “invite Black and Brown people of all ages throughout the UK to share what they are proud to be. For example, Proud To Be Black, Proud To Be Brown, Proud To Be Black & LGBTQ+, Proud To Be Me” says Blackhistorymonth.org online.
They then go on to say: “The campaign will launch in September in the run up to Black History Month in October and people will be able to get involved via Black History Month UK’s magazine, website and social media. People will be able to share what they are Proud To Be via letter, email or social media, including video and audio clips.
Black History Month UK is also inviting well-known celebrities and public figures to get involved and share what they are Proud To Be – as a way of inspiring as many people as possible to get involved and take part.”
Remaining aware of current events is essential to show your support of BHM and ethnic minorities as a whole. Given the tragic events just over a year ago with the tragic murder of George Floyd, it is more important than ever that people take the time to consider their privilege and how they can support ethnic minorities, especially when it comes to racial injustice.
For those of you who are unaware, George Floyd was a 46-year-old black man who was arrested on May 25th of 2020 by Minneapolis police officers after a shop employee call the 911 and informed officers that Mr Floyd had purchased cigarettes with a counterfeit 20 dollar bill.
Just 17 minutes after the first squad car arrived on the scene, George Floyd was unconscious and showing no signs of life due to an officer, by the name of Derek Chauvin, kneeling on his neck for an extended period of time; a practice that most police departments do not permit to detain suspects.
This case is sadly one of the hundreds, if not thousands, of examples of racial injustice in the modern age and we urge you all to educate yourselves on the topic to have a firm grasp on why BHM is so vital for the community and the world as a whole.
AFRO*DISIAC have always been firm supporters of Black History Month and promoting cultural diversity amongst the local community wherever we can such as at our recent Reggae Weekender event.
For more information please visit: www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk
Today’s tune is the 1967 hit, “Respect” by Aretha Franklin. We hope to see you soon at one of our upcoming events and enjoy the rest of your day.
Written & Researched by Max Dervan
