Celebrating BAME community successes
This pages focusses on Black British history, sharing with you some of the fantastic contributions that Black Britons have made locally and nationally.
BHM is held to highlight and celebrate the achievements and contributions of the black community in the UK. Throughout history, black people have made huge contributions to society in the fields of art, music, science, literature, medicine, transport and many more areas.
Introduction
The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on BAME individuals has highlighted the stark inequalities that these communities have faced for decades, due to the legacy of colonialism and the subsequent oppression of people of colour. Yet it was those very people who were working on the front line in the NHS, social care and other essential worker roles to save lives and provide vital support whilst their own lives were at increased risk.
#BlackLivesMatter protests around the world sparked a commitment among many individuals and organisations to educate themselves about Black history, heritage and culture – as part of understanding racism and standing in solidarity against it.
Many argue 'why Black History month?' Black history is indeed British History. Britain’s colonial past is the very foundation of Black history but it is not widely shared discussed and understood.
Crucially, this year’s Black History Month is a time to shine a light on our shared British history and tell the whole story honestly and truthfully, to decolonize and reclaim history, and tell stories from the perspective of all people.
Black History Month 2020 is also a time to look forward and celebrate the here and now – and the future possibilities. In years gone by, October has been the only time of year when the UK talks about the achievements of Black people in Britain. Hopefully, the events of 2020 will be a catalyst for Black history to be shared much more widely – in museums, galleries, schools, universities, public spaces and communities.
Black History Month 2020 is a time for people to come together and hopefully learn lessons for the present and the future. It is a time to honour the commitment to learning and standing united against racism.
It is a time to reclaim history and re-imagine how our shared history will be told in the future.