Black History Month 2009

This year is Wolverhampton’s eighth Black History Month and takes place through October and November 2009.

A range of educational and entertaining events are are open to everyone. It is hoped that programme of events will promote initiatives to encourage racial harmony and respect of the diverse cultures and skills amongst people in the community in Wolverhampton. Come along and join in the celebrations!

Download

To download the programme of events for Black History Month, click on the PDF icon below:

About Black History Month

Black History Month originated from the USA in February 1926, by African American scholars and an historian, Carter G Woodson, who came together to celebrate the achievements and political, social and economic contributions African Americans have made to America.

Black Histor Month took place for the first time in London on October 1987 on the recommendation of the now defunct London Strategic Policy Committee as part of their African Jubilee Year Marcus Garvey Centenary Celebrations.

By the 1990’s voluntary, statutory and private sectors have been celebrating Black Histor Month on an annual basis in October – November and provides occasions for critical reflection of the meaning and significance of the African experience in the Diaspora.

However, during these years BHM has gained much recognition and prominence, capturing the imagination of many and inspiring countless others to participate in celebrating the diversity of Black people in Britain – marking their invaluable contributions to British culture and economy.

In 1998 individuals from the community of Wolverhampton came together and formed a Windrush Committee to organise a local event in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the landing of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury, which carried a significant number of African Caribbeans to Britain. This event was an overwhelming success and was featured prominently on TV and broadcasted on the radio.

This Committee together with the Senior Policy and Equality Officer of Wolverhampton Council was then successful in getting other organisations from the community, voluntary and statutory sectors in organising and celebrating Wolverhampton’s first BHM in 2000.