Black History Month is an annual observance which is signified all round the world. It began in the United States Of America where it is also known as African American History Month. It is now officially recognised by the governments of Canada, and in more recent times has been observed in Ireland and the United Kingdom. It originated as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated at different times through out the year in different countries. In the USA and Canada it is celebrated in February whilst in the United Kingdom and Ireland, it is celebrated in October.

As part of the commemoration this year in the UK, a new campaign is being launched which will encourage black and Asian people including celebrities to share their stories and give some information on what they are proud to be. The “Proud To Be” campaign will help to celebrate and signify the incredible richness and diversity of people of black and Asian heritage in the United Kingdom.

This year Black History Month is more important than ever as it is not only a way to celebrate the continued achievements of black and Asian people round the world but is also being used as a way to continue the battle against racism but as a way to reclaim black history and to ensure that black history is celebrated all round the world, all year round. As 2020 showed, and 2021 continues to show, Black history is being made every day, in all kinds of ways.  To shine a spotlight on Black history in the making, Black History Month UK magazine is inviting Black people around the UK to share their stories and experiences.

The campaign has been inspired by the “Black Liver Matter” campaign which began as a result of the death of George Floyd in America when he was killed by a white police officer  in Minneapolis in America on 25 May 2020. The incident was caught on CCTV and showed police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on George Floyd’s neck for several minutes before his death.

George Floyd’s death sparked protest marches in countries around the world, including the UK. Many of the protesters marched as part of the Black Lives Matter movement – a decentralised global network that campaigns for justice, equality and an end to racism.

In the UK several statues were pulled down or had words of protest written on them. These statues were generally of historical figures with links to the slave trade – for example, the statue of Edward Colston in Bristol. The protesters’ actions have not only raised awareness of the UK’s involvement in the slave trade but have also raised questions about how we record history and ‘cancel culture’.

In April 2021 Derek Chauvin was convicted of George Floyd’s murder and on 25 June he was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison.

The campaign is aiming to give all black people the opportunity to tell their stories and ensure they have a voice so they are not singled out or left out for any reason in particular. This will help promote the element of equality in mainstream society to be certain that no one can be discriminated against due to the fact that they have a different skin colour or come from a different country. Everyone is being requested to get involved. They don’t need to be a writer or journalist, they just need to explain what’s important to them. This could be a story from their own life or just a story around an issue that is very topical at the moment.

Black History Month normally celebrates the lives of key figures in black history through out time. This year, they are hoping to go beyond this and celebrate the achievements of black people working on the Covid 19 front line in hospitals, care homes, schools, supermarkets and warehouses.

If you’d like to get involved, or have a story you’d like to share regarding black history, please visit:

Black History Month 2021 – Black History Month 2021