October is Black History Month. This year, there are hundreds of events happening across the country and there’s an online campaign that invites Black and Brown people of all ages to share what they are ‘proud to be’. ISHA is proud to once again be celebrating this important event with information on our website, social media, in the newsletter and around our office. About Black History Month in the UK In the UK, Black History Month is now in its 34th year. It was first celebrated in London in 1987 as part of the African Jubilee Year and grew out of Black History Month in the United States of America, which itself originated as Negro History Week in 1926. Since 1970, Americans have celebrated Black History Month in February, whereas the UK event is in October each year. Standing together against racism This year’s celebration has a renewed focus on British resistance to racism. There have been many events over the last 12-18 months (such as the Black Lives Matter protests in Summer 2020, the racist abuse of England’s football players after the Euro 2020 final) that have highlighting ongoing and deep-rooted problematic issues around racism, inequality and injustice. Catherine Ross, the editor of Black History Month UK, said: "It’s been a challenging time for many Black and Brown people… We wanted the theme of Black History Month 2021 to focus on celebrating being Black or Brown, and to inspire and share the pride people have in their heritage and culture – in their own way, in their own words." Celebrating Black people Black History Month is a time to celebrate the substantial contributions of Black and Brown people to the UK. From sports stars such as Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE and Clive Sullivan to Black campaigners such as Doreen Lawrence and Paul Stephenson. Remembering Black history Black History Month is an opportunity to remember key moments in Black history from before the beginnings of the slave trade in 1500, the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 to right up to 2021 when Kamala Harris become the first female, Black and Asian-American to be vice president of the United States. Get involved If you're an ISHA resident and want to celebrate Black History Month where you live, email involvement@isha.co.uk and we'll work together with help you to create a successful event. More information The Black History Month 2021 website has a wealth of information including news, interviews, historical events and events listings. Return to Graphics Version