Celebrating African Heritage

Black History month was founded when a study done by Dr. Carter Woodson indicated that history books largely ignore the black American population. In order to change this, Dr. Woodson established the Association for the study of Negro Life and History, and thereafter the Journal of Negro History.

He chose the second week of February in 1926 to launch Negro history week. This week was chosen specifically because it marked the birthdays of two men who worked tirelessly to abolish slavery, namely: Frederick Douglas an American slave who advocated for the abolition of slavery, and Abraham Lincoln, the American president who freed slaves during the civil war.

This culture was adopted in Great Britain from 1987 and is celebrated across the UK in October to commemorate African history and heritage. It was first set  up by Akyabba Addai Sebbo who worked at the Greater London Council as co-ordinator of special projects. His intention was to help London and the rest of the UK recognise the contribution of African, Caribbean and Asian people to economic, cultural and political life.

Concerns about the experiences of black children in the UK was the determining factor for choosing October. Being the beginning of a new academic year, it is intended to instil pride and identity into young black learners as they share with their peers about the contribution of black people throughout history.

Cardiff marked this historic celebration on the 30th of October under the auspices of the Wales Millenium Centre in the heart of Butetown. The contribution of black communities throughout Wales was celebrated through dance, music, film, storytelling performances and work shops.

This is the second time for the Wales Millenium Centre to successfully host all of Wales’ regions affiliated with Black History Month. Activities begun in September in various institutions around Wales with educational workshops. The event on the 30th of October marked a close to these events and Black History month.

For more information on Black History Month, here are some useful links:

http://www.blackhistorymonth2010.co.uk/#

http://www.black-history-month.co.uk/sitea/index.html