MPA Celebrates Black History Month | October 2024

Written by the MPA DEI Team

Every October, we celebrate Black History Month. Black History Month was first celebrated in the UK in 1987 by Akaayba Sebo, a special projects coordinator of the Ethnic Minorities Unit at what was then known as the Greater London Council.

Black History Month is a time to share, celebrate and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture in our communities. This year’s theme is Reclaiming Narratives.

The theme is not about revisiting the past but taking ownership of the stories that define Black history and culture. It highlights the need to update historical inaccuracies and reveals untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage.

Why Reclaiming Narratives?
The theme of reclaiming narratives addresses the distorted or overlooked roles that Black people played in shaping communities and societies.

It is also a time to;

• Honour Our Heroes: Challenging the narratives that have often been forgotten, celebrating the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and globally.
• Embrace Our Stories: Taking control of our stories, shine a light on the diverse and profound impact of Black individuals across various fields.
• Empower and Educate: Join us in embracing, educating and empowering one another through the stories that shape our collective identity.

Black History Month serves as a platform for a more comprehensive understanding of the past, one that integrates the experiences of Black Britons into the wider historical narrative of the UK. This means not just celebrating well-known figures, but also uncovering lesser-known stories of Black resistance, innovation and achievement.

For example, many are unaware of the rich history of Black communities in cities like Liverpool, Bristol and London, dating back centuries. The story of the Black Tudors, including figures like John Blanke, a Black trumpeter in the court of Henry VIII, challenges the assumption that Black people only began arriving in Britain after the Second World War.

Reclaiming these narratives also means confronting uncomfortable truths about Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and systemic racism. While these chapters of history may be painful to confront, they are essential for understanding the roots of present-day inequalities and the enduring resilience of Black communities in Britain.

How to get involved in Black History Month

There are numerous ways to get involved in Black History Month and these can include;

• Amplifying Black voices. Ensuring that Black voices are at the front of storytelling. Authors, filmmakers, musicians and creators telling stories from their perspectives.
• Education. This could be in the workplace, school or university. Advocating for change in curriculums to reflect that of the Black history.
• Educate yourself. Attending seminars, talks or reading books by Black authors to learn and understand further about Black History Month and its importance.

As we celebrate Black History Month this October, we are reminded that history is not static, it is shaped by those who tell the stories. Now more than ever, it is crucial that those stories reflect the diverse experiences of everyone who has contributed to the UK’s past, present and future.

We are creating a more inclusive society that recognises and values the contributions of Black Britons, not as a side note, but as an integral part of the British story. Through storytelling, education, and activism, we can continue the work of elevating Black voices, ensuring that the narratives of the past empower the next generation to write their own.

Events
Brixton Poets Celebrate Benjamin Zephaniah – Black History Month 2024
Black Culture Market – Sat 5th – Sun 6th Oct (Black History Month) – FREE Tickets, Sat 5 Oct 2024 at 11:00 | Eventbrite
Black History Month- Empowering Black women’s health matters. Tickets, Sat 26 Oct 2024 at 10:00 | Eventbrite
Black History Month: ‘Creation Stories’ Storytelling and Creative Workshop Tickets, Sat 5 Oct 2024 at 13:00 | Eventbrite
Black History Month – Reclaiming Narratives Workshop Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
Black History Month Celebration – “Reclaiming Narratives” Tickets, Sat, Oct 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite

Resources
Reclaiming Narratives: The Inspiring Theme for Black History Month 2024 – Black History Month 2024
Black History Month in London – Black History Month Events in London 2024

For more information or to join our RESPECT or Faith and Belief Employee Network, please contact:
Helen Choudhury
Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
[email protected]

Mandy Feighery
D & I Officer
[email protected]