🎉 Happy Black History Month! 🎉

What is Black History Month? 

Black History Month is celebrated every October in the UK, and February in the US and Canada. It is not only a time to honour the historical achievements and cultural impact of Black individuals, but also a chance to deepen our understanding of the ongoing struggles and triumphs within the Black community.  

Black History Month originated in the US by historian Carter G. Woodsen, who pointed out that school textbooks were missing a large (and important) part of history. In 1926, he and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (which Dr Woodson founded) created ‘Negro History Week’. This initiative played a huge part in the eventual establishment of Black History Month. 

Why they’re celebrated in different months 

In the United States, the first official Black History Month was celebrated in Kent State in February 1970 to promote the achievements of African Americans. February was chosen to honour the birthdays of two important figures:  

• Abraham Lincoln - Former President (issued a Preliminary Emancipation, which declared all enslaved people forever freed in 1863) 

• Frederick Douglass - Abolitionist and writer. (After escaping slavery, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement to end slavery) 

In the United Kingdom, Black History Month was first celebrated in October 1987, founded by Ghanaian-born Akyaaba Addai Sebo. He called it "a celebration of the magnificence of cultural diversity". Inspired by American Black History Month, the UK chose October for two reasons: 

• October is the month African chiefs and leaders often gather, allowing reconnecting with Black people’s roots. 

• October is very close to the beginning of the academic year, many thought it would give black children a sense of pride in learning about Black history at the start of the school year. 

 

Black History Month at Exacta 

At Exacta, we value inclusiveness and respect as two of our main priorities. We welcome diverse races, nationalities, and life experiences with open arms. We understand the importance of Black History Month and we acknowledge and celebrate the achievements which have been made throughout history, the ones currently being made, and many more to come.  

 

Key takeaways 

Let us use this month to educate ourselves and each other, to share stories of resilience and black excellence, and to continue fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. 

To learn more about Black History Month, please visit the official site. 

For access to some fantastic stories about Black History click here.