October is the month when Black History Month is celebrated in the United Kingdom. I was fortunate to be part of this celebration and joined the African diaspora in remembrance of this day to learn about its importance.
The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans, his work left an indelible mark ensuring the long and rich histories of black African Americans would never be forgotten.
I believe more about Black History should be taught in our schools, if it does not fit into the curriculum at least celebrate it during the month in October and talk about the full story, such as colonialism, racism and not just the achievements.
Bearing in mind, some areas of our population in the UK are 10-15% non white, this to me enforces the fact we need to learn more about the origins of where the British people come from. Indeed, the contribution that black people have made to society recently is much more prominent, such as Dr King, Martin Luther King, Malcom X and Nelson Mandela. But we need to go back, way back to learn how slavery was abandoned and who were those amazing people who fought their way out of it.
We know that the Atlantic slave trade took place. With people being enslaved starting from Africa, coming down to America, Caribbean Island, and Europe, landing here in the United Kingdom. This needs to be put into the history curriculum. I believe we should not deny it, but look at the positives of black history and drive that forward and show how we came out of it. Who were those individuals that became great leaders, scientists, poets, writers and entrepreneurs.
This is all very important for the learning for children in today’s society, highlighting the high role models and inspiring them. With all the racism in the schools today its more important teaching black history we can teach that everyone is equal in this world and eradicate injustice.
If this can work, then widen it to other Asian communities so we can all learn to respect and live in peace.
Love for all and hatred for none.