The Importance of Reclaiming Narratives in Black History

Have you ever felt the gripping and wretched feeling of loneliness from being misunderstood, misrepresented and overlooked?

Maybe you felt it for a couple of days, months, years but imagine feeling this for your entire life or worst still, imagine even after your death every contribution you ever made to this world was still overlooked and misrepresented.

I imagine it would feel beyond frustrating for that person but also for the loved ones of that person. Would you believe this has been the case for an entire race of people.

Not only are the stories and accomplishments of black people throughout history often forgotten and untold but many times when they are told or acknowledged it is not done so with the accuracy, dignity and respect it deserves.

That is why the theme for this year’s Black History Month in the UK is “Reclaiming Narratives”.

How have narratives about Black individuals been shaped historically?

From the enslavement era to the modern media era, the narrative concerning Black people has certainly shifted, as Black people are increasingly represented in diverse ways reflecting real experiences, culture and talents. Nonetheless, a struggle still exists when it comes to challenging lingering stereotypes and ensuring there is accurate representation of Black people in history and in media. The misrepresentation of Black people throughout history has had devastating consequences.

It not only distorts how Black people are perceived by others but also impacts how they see themselves. This has fuelled internal tensions within the Black community, as harmful stereotypes continue to be perpetuated.

What you can see from the comic strip above is unfortunately a sad reality. The harmful narratives surrounding Black people have deeply influenced how individuals within the Black community perceive themselves and each other. These damaging stereotypes have led to various negative consequences, including:

1. Colourism – Favouring lighter skin tones, leading to divisions and self-esteem issues – with lighter-skinned individuals often seen as more attractive or successful and darker-skinned individuals face discrimination within their own community.
2. Internalised Racism – Many Black individuals have unconsciously adopted negative views of their own race, leading to feelings of inadequacy and rejection of their cultural identity
3. Distrust – Harmful stereotypes, such as the idea that Black people are inherently untrustworthy, can foster suspicion and lack of solidarity within the community itself.
4. Self-Segregation – Some Black individuals distance themselves from others in their community based on skin tone, class, or upbringing, furthering internal division.
5. Cultural Erasure – Pressure to conform to Western standards has led some to reject or devalue their African roots, distancing themselves from traditional languages, hairstyles, and customs.
6. Limiting Aspirations – Stereotypes that paint Black people as less capable or intelligent can cause individuals to internalise these beliefs, limiting their ambition and drive for success.
7. Gender Stereotypes – Black men are often expected to embody hyper-masculine traits, while Black women are pressured to be “strong” or endure hardships without complaint, creating emotional strain and unrealistic expectations.

So what can be done?

First and foremost there is power in taking a “Stop and Think” moment. In doing this one can recognise the biases that have been internalised and understand how they shape perceptions of self and others. In doing this one will find that there is in fact room to embrace individuality, celebrate culture and build stronger connections. For those outside the Black community “Stop and Think” encourages a reassessment of learned narratives and stereotypes. It invites people to confront their own biases, educate themselves about Black History and culture , and become allies. By stopping and thinking before making assumptions, participating in microaggressions, or accepting harmful media portrayals, people can help shift societal attitudes and contribute to a more inclusive, respectful environment.

Additionally, to address and overcome the harmful narratives that affect the Black Community, several key actions can be taken:

• Positive Representation: Media and entertainment need to reflect diverse and authentic Black experiences, showing Black people in empowering and multidimensional roles to counter harmful stereotypes.
• Community Building: Initiatives that promote unity within the Black community, such as mentorship programs, cultural events, and open discussions, can help heal divisions caused by colourism, classism, and other internal conflicts.
• Mental Health Support: Providing access to culturally competent mental health resources can help individuals process and overcome the psychological effects of internalised racism and societal pressures.
• Empowering Narratives: Encouraging Black people to tell their own stories—through writing, art, film, and social media—helps reclaim control over their narratives and uplifts voices that have long been marginalised.

How can you get involved? 

• Educate yourself on the Black History in your community 
• Downloading and Utilising the Black History Month Resource Pack 
• Donate or campaign for a charity, for example, The Anthony Walker Foundation
• Champion diversity in the workplace
• Embrace and celebrate diversity

Interested in learning more about Black History Month? Please click here.