Black History Month 2023

Please join Steps as we celebrate Black History Month (UK)!

In 1915 Carter G. Woodson, a ground-breaking historian in the US, set up a society to study that there was a lack of information about achievements of black people in America. Black History Month was adopted years later in 1987 in the UK, the same time as the 150^th anniversary of the abolishment of Caribbean slaves.

In 1984, Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, a Ghanaian man who came to the UK as a refugee had the aim for the local community to challenge racism as well as educate themselves and others about Black British history – something which was not taught in schools.

“Throughout history, black people have always been present in the UK but there has been a lack of representation in history books.”

(source: How Black History month is celebrated around the world – BBC Newsround)

“Black History Month is a time of celebration, recognition and sombre reflection. Black people from African and Caribbean communities have been an integral part of British history and society long before 1948. Despite the epidemic of racism and unfairness affecting black people, we continue to break barriers and use our creativity and innovation to influence lives today.” – Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE

This year the Black History Month organisation will highlight pioneering black women who have been monumental trailblazers in literature, music, fashion, sport, business, academia and more. You can see more here.

In light of highlighting pioneering people, The Black Network, Steps’ first black affinity group will be celebrating black people within the DEI space spotlighting their achievements. We would also encourage you to please take a look at our resource list of books recommended by The Network.

Happy Black History Month!

1. The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones
2. The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
3. Giovannis Room by James Baldwin
4. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
5. South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry
6. Native Son by Richard Wright
7. The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley
8. Teaching Black History to White People by Leonard N. Moore
9. Who’s Black and Why?: A Hidden Chapter from the Eighteenth-Century Invention of Race edited by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. And Andrew S. Curran
10. Sisters of the Yam by bell hooks