Black History Month: Celebrating Black Voices
- Trish Attah
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 16
Every October the UK celebrates Black History Month in all its glory, with events, discussions and different ways to raise awareness. This month serves not only as a time to reflect on the past but also as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions, achievements, and histories of Black individuals across the UK. This blog covers a bit about my family history, but even more about what Black History Month means to the masses.
Why I'm so proud of my parents
I'm so proud of my parents and what they've achieved, whilst I no longer have my Dad, I'm so incredibly proud to be his daughter and to have parents who believed in me and stuck by me no matter what. My Mum was recently talking about when she was pregnant with my brother in the 70's, she and my Dad were looking for somewhere to live, with a new baby on the way they needed more space. In looking for somewhere to live they were faced with signs like this:
Most of us can't even imagine living in a UK where something like this is acceptable, yet there are many who actively remeber living through this and even more testing times. It would have been easy, when faced with such hate, to let that fester and become people who hated too. What I love so much about my parents is they did the opposite, they cared for others, showed continued kindness, ran successful businesses and shone, if in my life time I can have even a tiny amount of their courage and kindness, I'll have done a good job, but enough about me....
A Brief History of Black History Month in the UK
Black History Month was first celebrated in the UK in 1987, initiated by Ghanaian activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo. Recognising the need for greater awareness and appreciation of Black history within British society. Sparked by a conversation with a colleague whose child has asked why they couldn't be white, when speaking to The Guardian, Addai-Sebo said:
“I decided that every child growing up in the UK must have an appreciation and an understanding of Africa, Africans, people of African descent – their contributions to world civilisations from antiquity to the present, and especially to the growth and development of the UK and Europe.”
What Addai-Sebo has achieved is awesome and will stand as a lasting legacy of celebrating blackness.
The importance of eduction on black history
This month provides a platform to educate, reflect, and celebrate the resilience and creativity of Black communities. When I was growing up, all I learnt about black history in school was about slavery. There were no role praised in the classroom that had a hint of colour to their skin.
Education is at the heart of Black History Month. Schools, universities, and community organisations across the UK engage in activities that promote learning about Black history. From workshops and lectures to film screenings and art exhibitions, these events serve as crucial opportunities to delve into the rich histories of individuals like Mary Seacole, a pioneering nurse during the Crimean War, or Olaudah Equiano, an influential abolitionist whose writings helped shape public opinion on slavery.
Modern black activists
One of my favourite artists, Stormzy, is a modern day activist. A British rapper, he has used his platform to address social justice issues, including racial inequality, mental health, and the importance of education. He has been vocal about the impact of systemic racism in the UK and has supported various initiatives, such as funding scholarships for Black students. Stormzy's Merky Foundation provides scholarships for 40 black students to attend Cambridge every year which is simply amazing.
Other activists include Opal Tometi, Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, Angela Davis, Tamika Mallory, Michelle Alexander and DeRay Mckesson who fight for justice, equality, and empowerment, they advocate for change making positive waves.
How can businesses celebrate black history month?
With any awareness days or months, just making an effort during the month itself, isnt enough and comes across as inauthentic. If businesses really want to celebrate black history month it's an ongoing committment, not just about what you do in October every year. Where businesses want to celebrate in October, but also promote inclusivity throughout the year, they can consider:
Sharing education resources or having panels and workshops to further educate their staff
Engaging in the community by supporting black owned business or black owned charities
Ensuring their marketing reflects diversity
Organising events which celebrate black culture
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Conversation
As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s essential to acknowledge that the conversation around race, identity, and equality should not be confined to one month, just like with any other awareness month or initiative. Inclusivity is key and whilst black history month highlights conversations they should continue to be integrated throughout the years and months to ensure real change.
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Disclaimer
All information within the post is provided for guidance only; always seek your own legal advice.
The information with this post was correct at the time of publishing, October 2025 but may be subject to change.
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