Black History Month

Black History Month was established in the United States of America by the Harvard educated African American scholar Dr Carter G Woodson. In the US, February has been recognised as black history month since 1926. It was thought that such a month was necessary in an effort to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of African Americans in keeping alive their heritage, traditions and histories.

Black History Month In England In England, Black History Month is celebrated in the month of October,  It was first celebrated in 1987. The introduction of Black History Month was facilitated by the former Greater London Council. The Council had selected October because the month coincided with the Marcus Garvey celebrations and London Jubilee. The first Black History Month celebrations formed part of the African Jubilee celebrations.

Today,  we celebrate Black History Month to remember our history and our culture. We remember the individual achievements of black men and women, our families and our communities.

• Celebrating Black History Month 2014 (PDF 12.2 MB)
• Celebrating Black History Month 2013 (PDF 977 KB)
• Celebrating Black History Month 2012 (PDF 1997 KB)