This October, we reflect on this vital awareness period and learn how it connects to our community
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY HALFPOINT/ CANVA
Every year in the UK, Black History Month is observed in October. It’s a time to reflect on the trailblazing work of Black people around the world, filling in vital gaps that are often overlooked in mainstream education and media.
For the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s a poignant time to reflect on the way that Black queer people have helped to shape our community, culture and activism. It’s a time to combat racism in our community, uplifting the voices of Black queer people and amplifying the legacies of pioneers.
Here’s a brief rundown about what Black History Month is, how it started and why it’s still just as vital today.
When did Black History Month start?
Before Black History Month, historian Carter G. Woodson founded Black History Week in 1926 in the United States. Taking place in February, the week was chosen to coincide with the births of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, who both played a role in ending slavery. By 1970, the concept of Black History Month was officially formed in the United States as an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans.
How did Black History Month start in the UK?
In 1987, analyst and journalist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo founded the first Black History Month in the UK, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean. The first Black History Month celebration was held in London with an event to discuss Black people’s contributions to history. October was chosen because it is often a time when African leaders gather to talk about important issues, and it also coincides with the start of the school year in the UK.
Why is Black History Month important to the LGBTQIA+ community?
Black LGBTQIA+ people have always been at the forefront of our community. Whether it be in activism, culture or community-building, Black queer people have spearheaded change that has brought about LGBTQIA+ rights. We cannot forget the trailblazing work of activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Stormé DeLarverie, who were credited as some of the pioneers at the Stonewall Uprising in 1969. Across the world, Black LGBTQIA+ people are continuing to fight for our rights, and we must celebrate these achievements across history and the present.
Too often, Black LGBTQIA+ people are silenced within queer spaces. In a report by King’s College London, a majority of queer people of colour said that they had experienced explicit racism from within the LGBTQIA+ community. We must create truly inclusive spaces within our community, where everyone can be heard, seen and celebrated.
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