October is Black History Month (BHM). LLC will take the opportunity to honour black leaders who paved the way for future generations and will educate and inform on black heritage and culture in Britain.
What is Black History Month?
BHM is an annual event that is celebrated across the US and other parts of Europe. BHM remembers and champions the history and achievements of the African descent. BHM was originated in the US and later recognised in the UK in 1987.
Origins of Black History Month
The origins of BHM dates to 1915, half a century after the thirteenth amendment abolished slavery in the US. In 1915, Carter G Woodson and Jesse E Moorland founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). ASALH was committed to promoting achievements by black Americans and other people of African descent.
In 1926, ASALH hosted an event that inspired communities and schools nationwide to organise local celebrations and establish history clubs. By the late 1960s, the civil rights movement and a growing awareness of black identity had been recognised on many college campuses. In 1976, black history month was officially established in the US. In the UK, black history month is celebrated every October and, in the US, it is observed in February to honour the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
Black History Month Today
At LLC, we are passionate about social justice, diversity and are committed to showcasing the talent, ideas and reality of black lives today. As part of BHM 2021, our academics, students and team members talk about equality, black achievements and black history for LLC.
Jermaine Sterling
We had the privilege to talk with Jermaine Sterling, Non-Executive Director of London Learning Consortium, to hear about the importance of Black History Month. He discusses the role that the LLC Board plays in promoting Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, how organisations can break down barriers and reduce inequalities, the Black British heroes that inspire him, and more.
Check the full interview below:
Kay J Ward
Kay J Ward, HR Manager – LLC, talks about the role of HR in promoting diversity and inclusion, how organisations can help to break down barriers and reduce inequalities, and what Black History Month means to her.
Check the full interview below:
Sharron Williams
We are committed to diversity and inclusion across all aspects of our business. We want all employees to feel welcome and valued, and to bring their whole selves to work.
Our Quality Manager, Sharron Williams gives her thoughts on how we embrace diversity in connection with Black History Month. Check out the video below:
Geraldine Davies
Geraldine Davids (our traineeship tutor) discusses her experiences within the education system as a black teacher in the UK and shares the best practices around teaching black and diverse histories. Check out the video below:
Beatrice Emakpose
Beatrice is one of our valued and inspirational Kickstarter who is supporting us in our focus on Black History Month.
“One month can never be enough to celebrate all the achievements, contributions and sacrifices made by such bold and courageous black individuals; people who dedicated their lives to making this world a better place, and paved the way for millions.
Nevertheless, we dedicate this month to the unsung heroes of social justice, those who died fighting for change and justice that they themselves did not see.
We remind ourselves that Black History is continuous and so acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of this new generation of champions of racial equality and inclusion. As individuals, we must strive daily to learn what we must do to help in this fight for racial equality, acceptance and justice for all. ”
Take a look at our social media to see what she mentions about BHM: https://bit.ly/3G4QxRd
BHM Icons
In honour of Black History Month, we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on these historical icons.
Martin Luther King
Martin Luther King’s achievements go beyond the Dream Speech. He stood with unions and even served as an unofficial advisor for President John Kennedy over the phone during the race riots in Alabama. This led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Olaudah Equiano
Olaudah Equiano, born in Eboe (Southern Nigeria) was sold into slavery as a child. After escaping slavery in 1786, he joined the abolitionist group the ‘Sons of Africa’ and gained wealth and fame through writing and promoting his autobiography ‘The Life of Olaudah Equiano’.
Mary Seacole
Mary Seacole was a pioneering nurse and also a heroine of the Crimean War. She provided food and medicine for all and tended to the injured. In 1857, she released her autobiography, ‘Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacole in Many Lands’.
Claudia Jones
Claudia Jones founded Notting Hill Carnival to help uplift Black British communities following violent riots which broke out in 1958. Before the pandemic hit, many of us would flock over to Notting Hill and its surrounding streets to enjoy the music and food.
Image Credits: PA Images / Pixabay
Don’t forget to follow us on social media and get involved with BHM online.
