It is the end of Black History Month UK 2023 but it is not the end of commitment to eliminating racism in our society. The work must continue…
To mark this year’s 2023 UK Black History Month, special salutes were given to sisters who actively advocate for anti-racism in line with this year’s theme #salutingoursisters #wematter. Inspiring women were identified, honoured, and empowered on the LinkedIn social media platform all throughout the month of October. www.linkedin.com/in/vivian-okeze-tirado-070506a8
My hope is that this year’s educational awareness event encourages the public to see the plight of the marginalised people in society and lend a voice towards ending racism. Hoping for more positive actions and change that goes beyond surface-level towards eliminating racism, both conscious and unconscious, from our society.
Education from the Public to the Public, an initiative by Vivian Okeze – Tirado.
If inspired by this initiative, follow Vivian Okeze – Tirado on LinkedIn profile:
www.linkedin.com/in/vivian-okeze-tirado-070506a8
and
Twitter (X) – https://twitter.com/vivokezetirado?lang=en
#blackhistorymonthuk #bhm2023 #salutingoursisters #wematter #vottraining #vivianokezetirado
Why do we celebrate Black History Month? Where did it originate from? Welcome to 2023, October Black History Month UK!
Black History is celebrated in the UK because of the brave stand, the struggle and the legacy of Carter G Woodson, dating back to 1926. He is known as “The Father” of Black History. Carter G Woodson was born in Virginia in 1875 and was the son of former slaves. Growing up, access to a good education and job opportunities were limited, but he ended up studying at one of the few high schools for Black students after saving money from working as a coal miner. Over the years, he gained an impressive number of qualifications, including a PhD in history from Harvard University. He was a Historian, Author and Journalist. He established The Journal of Negro History in 1915. He launched the celebration of “Negro History Week” in 1926, which eventually expanded and was renamed Black History Month. In 1926, he sent out a press release to mark the first Black History Week in the US. Throughout his life, Carter G Woodson worked tirelessly to promote Black history in schools, leaving an indelible legacy.
The event was expanded in 1970, and since 1976 every US president has officially designated February as Black History Month in the US. February was chosen in the US 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 played a significant role in helping to end slavery. – BBC.co.uk.
Black History Month was first officially celebrated in the UK in 1987 which coincided with the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation of slavery and the 25th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity. It is celebrated yearly in October. Ghanaian analyst and activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo played a huge role in organising the UK’s first Black History Month. Addai-Sebo came to the UK in 1984 when he sought refuge from political persecution during the regime of Jerry John Rawlings.
This month, in accordance with the theme of Black History Month 2023, “Saluting Our Sisters!” #WEMATTER. We will be saluting some Black Women who have left an indelible mark in history and those who are doing ordinary, everyday things that will go a long way towards making those substantial changes that will bring about social change and social justice. I agree that Black History should not be celebrated only in October but every day. However, the labour and legacy of Carter G Woodson, “The Father” of Black History, would be in vain if we did not. One day perhaps, Black History will be celebrated every day of the year in the true sense of the world!
“Showing allyship with the struggles of others is something I passionately advocate for. I choose to celebrate those who are thriving against the odds. I choose to celebrate those who are helping them.” – Sal Naseem.