Black History Month

Black History Month is celebrated each year in October in the UK. The aim is for local communities to challenge racism and educate themselves and others about black history.

Black History Month (BHM) is an annual celebration to honour the too-often unheralded accomplishments of Black Britons throughout our history.

BHM 2023

This year BHM UK has the theme of "Saluting our Sisters".

Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE has called Black History Month "a time of celebration, recognition and sombre reflection.

"Black people from African and Caribbean communities have been an integral part of British history and society long before 1948. Despite the epidemic of racism and unfairness affecting black people, we continue to break barriers and use our creativity and innovation to influence lives today.

"The theme Saluting our Sisters plays homage to black women who had contributions ignored, ideas appropriated, and voices silenced."

From our portfolio holder

Uttlesford District Council Portfolio for Housing and Equalities, Cllr Arthur Coote, said "I am delighted that as a council we can add our voice to raise awareness of Black History Month. I urge all people of Uttlesford and beyond to use Black History Month to promote and celebrate Black contributions to British society, and to foster an understanding of Black history."

Interview with Kemi Badenoch

In 2021 The Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, President of the Board of Trade, Minister for Women and Equalities and MP for Saffron Walden, talked about how Black History Month has become more prominent today than it was 25 years ago and how differently we talk about black history in the UK compared to Nigeria.

Read the full interview on the BHM website.

Local events

Find out what is happening locally.

Essex Cultural Diversity Project

The Essex Cultural Diversity Project is once again supporting BHM events and activities taking place across the county.

Find out about:

University of Essex

This October, the University of Essex will be celebrating Black History Month, responding to this year's theme of Celebrating the Sisterhood. They have lined up a number of events at the Lakeside Theatre.

Find out what's on at the Lakeside Theatre.

Essex Record Office

Essex Record Office have wide ranging collections recording the history of the county. Included are interviews created by Evewright Arts Foundation for their Caribbean Takeaway Takeover exhibition. From 2017 to 2018, artist Everton Wright (EVEWRIGHT), staff, and volunteers of his art foundation recorded oral history interviews with 10 elders who moved to the UK from the Caribbean in the 1940s to 1960s. And they also have the earliest record of a Black individual in Essex dating from 1580!

Anglia Ruskin University

Join Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in October as they explore aspects of Black British history in a collaborative effort between the ARU Student Union, the Public Engagement Team, and the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care.

They have prepared an exciting program for you, including a showcase of talents that reflect the richness of our diverse community. As we come together to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history, we will also explore the theme of "belonging" and what it means to be part of a supportive and inclusive community.

Find out more about Black History Month events at ARU.

BHM events

The BHM event creators have assembled a packed programme of events that inspire action, education, and awareness. You can find a handpicked cross-section of Black History Month events taking place across Essex on the BHM website.

Resources

BHM introductions

Interviews and comments from notable supporters of BHM. Including Dawn Butler MP, The Rt Hon The Lord Paul Boateng of Akyem and Wembley PC DL and Patrick Vernon