The US has been officially celebrating Black History Month (BHM) in February since 1976. February was chosen because it coincides with the births of former President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass- who escaped slavery and became a key social activist. Both men are linked to ending slavery.
The UK has been celebrating BHM since October 1987. It was first celebrated in London in 1987 as part of African Jubilee Year, when on October 1st, Dr. Maulana Karenga from the US was invited to an event at County Hall to mark the contributions of Black people throughout history. Addai Sebo drew up a plan to recognize the contributions of African, Asian* and Caribbean people to the economic, cultural, and political life in the U.K.
*It should be noted that BHM UK does not support the use of the term “black” to refer to all people of color in the UK (such as those from British American backgrounds).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_History_Month
Other explanations given for the UK’s choice of October for BHM include:
- October is close to the beginning of the new academic year, thus providing timely opportunity to instill pride and identity into black learners.
- October in African culture is a period of tolerance and reconciliation; and
- October was chosen to separate the US and UK observances.
It seems that black history month is not built into the UK school curriculum, but educators there are not barred from teaching it if they wish.
Malcolm X made a trip to the UK in 1965 to address racism there before his death.
When Malcolm X took on British Racism
Like the US, the UK celebrates black heroes and culture, past and present, during their BHM celebrations. Kudos to our brothers and sisters “across the pond”.
Black History Month 2025
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