Why We Do Black History Month Differently (And You Should Too)

This piece was written by Spark & Co.’s Brand and Engagement Lead, Zoe Daniels. Find out more about them here. 

Since Spark & Co.’s inception we have always had the belief that Black history cannot be confined into one single month because Black people do not exist for one single month of the year, we exist 365 days a year and have been here since humans first walked this earth. 

The origins of Black History Month

The first Black History Month in the United Kingdom took place in 1987 and was initiated by Ghanaian-born Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, a special projects officer at the Greater London Council, later known as the London Strategic Policy Unit. However, the actual celebration of Black History Month dates back by almost 100 years. 

According to The National Geographic Black History Month’s origins began in the United States, having started in the early 20th century, when “historian Carter G. Woodson chafed at the world’s silence on Black achievement”. 

The original intention was to highlight Black peoples achievement throughout history, as our presence was often left out of mainstream education as a result of systemic racism. The Black stories that were told were often rooted in trauma and shared without nuance. Whereby we were often portrayed as victims of the British Empire with Black history being told as if it began with enslavement. However, our stories began long before the establishment of The British Slave Trade and will exist long after. 

Moving forward with a commitment to inclusion 

At Spark & Co. we recognise the importance of Black History Month in that it encourages educational bodies and governments to highlight Black peoples achievements to society. However, we believe that in 2022, more than 30 years on from when Black History Month first started in the United Kingdom, it has served its purpose. We have more visibility than ever before, and although there is still much work to be done, the focus needs to shift from visibility and representation to true inclusion.

True inclusion means taking an intersectional approach to Black History Month and it starts with including all the voices that are currently underrepresented in society. It also means recognising that we are part of a multicultural society and live in a globalised world, whereby our identities intersect with a variety of social aspects that contribute to who we are and where we are positioned in society. True inclusion also recognises that our histories are intertwined with one another. 

The re-ignition of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 saw communities across the diaspora organise to demand change in how history is told in white westernised countries. As a result we have seen events like South Asian Heritage Month and East and South-East Asian History Month become more popularised and although we recognise the positive impact that these events can have on racialised communities, we also recognise that they allow organisations and educational bodies to ignore our history for most of the year.

By having a month solely dedicated to Black history it validates the idea that we are not integral to British culture and British life, when we know the opposite to be true. Like with all of human history we have existed side by side for centuries, eons even, our history is rich and nuanced as all of human history is, and whether it’s Black History Month, South Asian Heritage Month or East and South East Asian History Month, one piece of history cannot be told without the other. 

History as told from racialised perspectives

As an organisation that serves an array of racialised communities and communities experiencing marginalisation we are going to continue to celebrate Black History each and every day. However, Black History Month will now be a month of joy, connection and shared stories of activism and resistance. Last year we devoted Black History Month to Black joy, this year we’re exploring it as a whole theme from the perspectives of racialised communities, whose stories are often told or shared from a place of trauma. 

We believe it’s important to dedicate a month to our triumphs, including history as told from our perspective, history rooted in resistance, invention and joy. Ever since the pandemic we have been subjected to a barrage of negative news, and things may seem hopeless as a result of this, however, our communities have always persevered and we are resilient, and by sharing stories of a positive nature from racialised communities from both past and present we are reminded that we can overcome anything, and that another world is possible where we are not merely surviving but thriving. 

How organisations can celebrate Black History more consciously:

• If you’re able to, plan ahead and do so consciously 
• Establish clear objectives for Black History Month
• When creating a plan use an intersectional lense 
• Co-produce content and events with Black colleagues, do not just leave it on their shoulders and don’t assume that they want to be involved
• Pay Black creators - always
• Keep in mind other racialised communities who are currently underrepresented in education and by organisations
• Check out Spark & Co’s community and content section for inspiration!