The History Behind Black History Month

By Beatrice Allen, Writer

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You may already know that October is officially Black History Month in the UK. Read on to find out more about how it began and how we celebrate it today.

Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month

You may already know that October is officially Black History Month in the UK. At this time particularly, black people need to be appreciated for who they are and realised for their achievements throughout history that changed the world. "For countless generations people of African and Caribbean descent have been shaping our nation's story, making a huge difference to our national and cultural life and helping to make Britain a better place to be,” Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has said, “It is this contribution of black British people that I am proud to be celebrating Black History month this October.”

Who is your black history hero? Is it Mary Seacole, Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, or the man who had a dream, Martin Luther King Jr ?

The history behind Black History Month:

Black History Month started in 1926 when it was founded by Carter G. Woodson, an African-American historian, scholar and publisher (what a busy guy)! Back then, it was a week-long event - it only became a month-long celebration in 1976, 50 years after it was created! However, in Britain it was not until in the 1980s when we started celebrating Black History Month.

Black History Month celebrates the achievements of black people in history, such as Martin Luther King Jr

3 Fun Facts!

1. Did you know that Martin Luther King went to jail nearly 30 times?

2. Nelson Mandela’s birth name was Rolihlahla Mandela. It was his primary school teacher who gave him the name Nelson.

3. Rosa Parks wasn't the first person who refused to give up her seat in support of the civil rights movement.

Black History Month is about celebrating black people who didn't give up; fought for what was right and kept on going. It is about black people who influenced the world and made it a better place, but it's also about what the future holds and if we’ll ever find equality. There's been a lot of doubt lately, but remember; everyone can make a difference.

"We are here on Earth to live, grow up, and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom." - Rosa Parks

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