Black History Month
BHM 49
Black History Month
In 1915 Dr. Woodson started the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History( now called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History or“ ASALH”). Dr. Woodson and his influential pool of scholars were able to provide the platform whereby black Americans were given their true place in the nation’ s history. He went even further by launching Negro History Week in 1926 to showcase the talents and achievements of his people. Today Dr. Woodson’ s initiative is known as Black History Month and is celebrated annually in the US and Canada during February and October in the UK.
UK cities have been celebrating BHM for many years. This year marks London’ s 20th anniversary of the celebration, which commenced back in October 1987 as part of African Jubilee year. There are events taking place up and down the country as the nation plays its part in showcasing the great cultural and economic contributions that African and Caribbean people have made in relation to UK history. Engage are proud to celebrate these contributions and to continue the legacy of Dr. Woodson.
Black History Month What you should know in a FLASH!
Who started BHM?
Dr. Carter G. Woodson and colleagues formed the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, today known as ASALH( Association for the Study of African American Life and History)
When did BHM begin?
Officially in 1915, but unofficially it’ s always existed!
Who celebrates it?
Mainly US, Canada & UK
Why?
It’ s one way of appreciating and celebrating the momentous contribution that black people have made in their nation’ s existence.
Where can I find out about BHM Events?
Local authorities, museums and art centres celebrating BHM will almost certainly have information listed on their websites. There are also some independent UK websites dedicated to BHM. engage have selected some events we feel celebrate and highlight the great achievements of our diverse peoples
Griot Institute: Leadership in Black-Led Organisations – Failing or Flourishing? 2 November 2007, 6.00pm Steven Lawrence Gallery Room 0777 Queen Anne Court, Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, Greenwich University, London, SE10 9LS Tel: 020 8691 7201 A seminar and discussion forum on leadership in Black-led organisations led by Dr. Morgan Dalphinis. In the light of current community crises we ask if the leadership of Black led organisations is failing or flourishing? Given our heritage of inspirational leadership, is there sufficient solidarity, trust and partnership to sustain organisations beyond funder-driven, to be strong, united, well resourced entities, able to respond proactively to the needs they have been set up to address? Admission Free( 18 +)
London, Sugar and Slavery Gallery Opening 10 November 2007 Museum in Docklands 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, Hertsmere Road, E14 4AL Tel: 0870 444 3857 or email: info @ museumindocklands. org. uk Celebrate the opening of‘ Museum in Docklands’ new gallery, London Sugar and Slavery, with stories, music and much more. Come and discover London’ s hidden role in slavery and the stories of those who were affected by it. Admission free
The Black Presence in London and the Legacy of Slavery 22 November 2007 Museum in Docklands 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, Hertsmere Road, E14 4AL Tel: 0870 444 3857 or email: info @ museumindocklands. org. uk Many of the discussions around the 1807 Abolition Act this year have continued to locate‘ Black History’ as something that happened outside Britain and have confined the legacies of the British slave trade within the Caribbean and Africa. Dr. Caroline Bressey will focus upon the continuing Black presence in London following the so-called abolition and will also consider how the lasting legacies of slavery impact upon the Black presence in London today. Adm: free
Inhuman Traffic: The Business of the Slave Trade Until April 2008 The British Musuem Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG Tel: 020 7323 8000 / 8299 or email: information @ thebritishmuseum. ac. uk This small exhibition explores how the Transatlantic Slave Trade functioned. It covers more than 500 years, including the Parliamentary Abolition of the Slave Trade in 1807. It features resistance leaders including Toussaint l’ Ouverture, Olaudah Equiano and Nanny of the Maroons, and their continuing legacy of the struggle to end enslavement. Admission free
www. nationalarchives. gov. uk / caribbeanhistory
The history of the British Caribbean is explored in this web resourced exhibition through government documents, photographs and maps dating from the 17th century to the 1920s and discovered during a cataloguing project at The National Archives of the United Kingdom. Sections include: Movement of people; Caribbean identities; Slavery and negotiating freedom; Society and welfare after slavery; Caribbean and the wider world; and 20th century transitions.
ISSUE FIVE 2007 engage | uk