Black History Month 2020
October is Black History Month (BHM) in the UK, the annual celebration of the history, culture, achievements and contributions of black people across the country.
Black History Month (BHM) takes place annually in October across the UK and is an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and share the outstanding contributions black people have made throughout history. It is also a time to spread awareness and understanding on the impact of black heritage and culture nationwide.
Founded by Akyaaba Addai Sebo in 1987, BHM originally began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
Proud to be campaign
Launched by Black History Month UK magazine, the theme for this year’s campaign is 'Proud To Be'. Inspired by the 2020 Black Lives Matter events, black people are being encouraged to share what they are proud to be. The campaign aims to make BHM 2021 personal and unique to individuals, families and communities, focusing on how history is continuously being made.
BHM at UAL
At UAL we celebrate the culture, creativity and resilience of our black students, staff, alumni and partners throughout BHM and beyond. During October, we’ll be highlighting black history including useful resources and materials, artwork from our black students and online events.
We’ll also be shouting out black people who have influenced, inspired and made a positive impact on our students, so keep an eye out on our Instagram stories to take part and use #UALBHM if you take pictures at any of our events.
If you would like to contribute to our BHM celebration in any way please email studentcomms@arts.ac.uk.
Upcoming events
Check out our Arts SU’s Black History Month 2021 programme and Social Programme events listing for all upcoming BHM events.
Resources
Take a look at some useful resources and links below:
October is Black History Month (BHM) in the UK, the annual celebration of the history, culture, achievements and contributions of black people across the country.
On 22 June 1948 the Empire Windrush ship docked in Tilbury, Essex. On board were the very first group of Commonwealth citizens who had responded to Britain’s call to help rebuild the mother country. Between 1948 and 1971, 500,000 left their homes to settle in the UK.
On Tuesday 23 January we held our first Black Men on the Couch event, welcoming Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE.