Special Features - Britain's Black History Month

Political activist in the 1700s, Olaudah Equiano, (pic above) is just one of many the great black britons.

Britain's Black History Month
(01/10/07)

The month of October is associated with many things in the UK; chilly, windy days for one.

But it's also the month when black history and the black British experience are celebrated and put under the spotlight.

A nationwide affair

October's Black History Month in the UK has taken place for more than two decades. From humble beginnings it has now grown into a nationwide affair, supported and recognised by the UK Government.

Throughout the month, a range of cultural activities take place from thought-provoking exhibitions and storytelling to theatre productions and comedy shows.

Voluntary organisations, local authorities, museums, libraries and small community groups plan their events a year in advance.

Year to commemorate and celebrate

This year marks the 200th anniversary since parliament passed the Abolition of Slave Trade Act.

For this reason, even more events will highlight black history and key people who have fought to eradicate slavery.

There are hundreds of activities to chose from such as the Chasing Freedom - Abolition 200 Conference at the Royal Navy Museum; Keep Smiling Through: Black Londoners on the Home Front 1939-1945 event at the Imperial War Museum; and Music in the lives of Young People debate at Brixton Library, in London.

Black History Month events

For a full list of what is taking place it's worth checking out the Black History Month UK site as well as local authority websites.

Black Brits have contributed positively to Britain for decades, not only those in the media spotlight but also the unsung heroes in the community.

Famous Black Britons

Some of the most famous Black Britons include: Olaudah Equiano, principal spokesman of Britain's black community in the 1700s; Mary Seacole, Crimean war veteran nurse in the 1800s.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell, broadcaster Sir Trevor Macdonald, social activist Doreen Lawrence and author Zadie Smith are just a few of the many contemporary personalities.

To find out more about Black History Month in the UK and great black Britons see the links below.