BHM FAQ

1) When was BHM set up and by whom in the UK?
Akyaaba Addai Sebbo is viewed as the person who set up Black History Month. Addai worked at the Greater London Council (GLC) as a co-ordinator of Special Projects. The first event was held on 1st October 1987, when the GLC bought over Dr Maulana Karenga the originator of Kwanzaa in the US. He was chosen because of his relevance to what the GLC was doing at the time.

Addai was saddened when a worker recalled her young son wanting to know why he was not white.. this child was called Marcus after Marcus Garvey. That got Addai thinking - he had direct experience of the celebrations in the US in February, and, in fact, participated in the movement that caused the Negro History Week to be changed to Black History Month in 1976 in America.

By drawing up a strategic plan and discussing it with colleagues at the GLC, the plan was resourced and approved by various legal committees of the GLC to support manifestations of the monumental contributions of Africa and Africans to the economic, cultural and political life of London and Britain.

The first events were launched by a strategic partnership comprising the GLC, Inner London Education Authority, and the London Strategic Policy Unit. This was followed by a series of innovative and groundbreaking conferences across London and outside of London, as 1987 was also part of African Jubilee Year. It took some time for boroughs outside London to adopt the Declaration, which formally instituted the month of October as Black History Month in the UK.

Key to this declaration was recognising the contributions of Africa to the economic, cultural and political life of London and the UK, and it called on the boroughs to recognise this fact, and take their duties, as enjoined by the Race Relations Act, very seriously and also to intensify their support against Apartheid.

2) Why was BHM established and what is the aim?
Best encapsulated in these memorable words from Ken Livingstone at the Royal Albert Hall,
'In order to further enrich the cultural diversity of the Greater London area, it is imperative that Londoners know more about African influences on medieval and renaissance European music and more about the roots of Greek music so that accepted ideas about European music is changed. Despite the significant role that Africa and its Diaspora has played in the world civilization since the beginning of time, Africa's contribution has been omitted or distorted in most history books'

The halls of the GLC were opened to the community, and to internationally renowned musicians such as Max Roach, Hugh Masekela, Burning Spear, Courtney Pine, Abdullah Ibrahim, Tania Maria, and artistes from the USA, Caribbean Africa, Ireland and India.

There were many people involved during this period of expansion in our community who all helped to establish the program. Hopefully, we recognise these peoples' collective contribution, not listed in any particular order. Ansel Wong, Paul Boateng, Ken Livingstone, Pat Gordon, Bernie Grant, Lord Gifford, Anne Mathews, Vitus Evans, Margaret Hodge, Ken Martindale, Shirley Andrews, Linda Bellos, Narenda Makenji, Chris Boothman, Pat Lamour and Edward Oteng.

Activities of children filling the Royal Albert Hall for a week led to the thinking 'if it has been initiated, why not institutionalise it', so the idea of Black History Month was born.

3) What form do events take and where are they held?
Events take place the length and breadth of the country 17 years on, with circa 3000 events this year. It must be noted that some of these events have catalysed the way that the cultural services are disseminated throughout the year.

Voluntary Organisations, Local Authorities, Museums, Libraries and Archives have started to take the lead in art planning as soon as one year is over and one could argue that it would seem that they are able, through excellent and skilled professionals, experts and resources, to marshal and lever support from large funders. Not forgetting the smaller groups, who do excellent work e.g. running supplementary schools, which incorporate history. Wales for example launched their program last week.

There is a richness and diversity of programmers who plan imaginative and thought provoking events, storytelling, walks, theatrical productions, comedy and the first Black History Month Ball, all having history as an integral part of the productions. This year (2004) some of the more grassroots organizers, rightly so, are recognising, the importance of the Pan Caribbean hurricane disaster and are incorporating fundraising activities.

Local authorities, where they can earmark specific budgets, encourage groups to apply at the beginning of each financial year. There are small amounts, with some councils picking up and absorbing publicity and venue hire in some cases.

There is also growth in large museums working alongside and sharing marketing and promotions cost. E.g. the South Kensington group consisting of V&A, Natural History Museum, Royal Geographical Society and the Science Museum.

4) If it derives from the U.S. when was it set up there, why and when?
Carter G Woodson who initiated the Negro History Week in 1926, which then became Black History Month, had chosen February because of two influential figures he assessed to have impacted the conditions of the "Negro" - Abraham Lincoln, American president, and Frederick Douglas - as their birthdays fell in February.

The late African American writer, John Hernik Clarke put it: 'If we are to change tomorrow, we are going to have to look back with some courage, and warm our hands on the revolutionary fires of those who came before us.'

Addai's observances from the American February celebrations were as follows - events were held indoors, it was cold and it was also a period when young people are tasked with a lot of schoolwork.

5) What date does it start and when does it end? And why October?
1st - 31st October

We are seeing a growth in events starting now from mid-September till mid-November
The concern in the UK about the children, our future generation, was crucial to our decision-making. October is also very significant within the African Cultural calendar - the period of the Autumn equinox in Africa - is consecrated as the harvest period, the period of plenty, the period of the Yam festivals.

Apart from that, October is a period of tolerance and reconciliation in African; it is a period of the coming together of the various bodies that entailed the African societies, the Kingdoms. Black History is therefore a reconnection with our source, hence the chosen symbol of Sankofa- learning from the past, with the benefit of hindsight.

October is more or less the beginning of the school year, young people have had a long summer break, their minds are refreshed, and they are not saddled so much with homework or examinations. That was why October was chosen.

6) Who celebrates it? Can anyone participate, or is just for Black people?
Black History month is open to participation by everyone and is ideally developed, delivered and managed as an educational and historical awareness experience by Black people - African Heritage experience and should be shared by everyone as world history.

7) Who runs BHM now - is one official body behind it?
There is no one official body behind it, unlike the good old days of the GLC and the LSPU - the CRE played a role in trying to assist but it is essentially a resource problem.

8) Why do black people need a history month?
In an ideal world, we wouldn't need the month, as education establishments will fully recognise and appreciate our contribution to History. It is important as well to have the political will in the first place which was around during its inception.

We need a history month, as our opportunity to share with the world at large our incredible contribution to this planet. We need a history month so that we all can be proud of our creativity, respect our intellectual prowess and celebrate our culture whether it be, in the way we walk, shoulders back, head up high, or whether we are purchasing books, pamphlets and magazines from our community.

9) Why is there a BHM magazine, where can I get it and is it free?
There are two magazines in existence one called Black History Month Magazine and Black Heritage Today and they are available free from Libraries, in major cities across the UK.

10) Is BHM recognised by the government? And are there usually government-backed events?
The political will and direction needs to come from office.

Black History Month is recognised by the Government and many MPs get involved in hosting, chairing events, speaking at launches, and have provided forwards for the two magazines. GLA, Local Authorities, and the Home office have a BME network which organises seminars every year for staff.

Sourced with permission from New African October Magazine - Akyaaba Addai Sebo, former worker at the GLC