Black History Month

Every October marks Black History Month in the UK, but do you know how it all began?

Black History Month is an important time of the year where people come together to recognise and appreciate Black people’s contributions to society. People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. In the UK, Black History Month encourages people to learn more about Britain’s colonial history, which is often not taught in school. It gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.

How did Black History Month start?

Black History Month originated in the United States. In 1926, academic and historian Dr Carter G. Woodsonand the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (which Dr Woodson founded) launched the first celebration of black history.

While Black History Month is celebrated in October in the UK, it’s celebrated in February in the United States. In America, they chose February because Dr Woodson and ASAALH wanted to mark the birthdays of former President Abraham Lincoln, and writer Frederick Douglass who both made huge contributions to Black liberation and equality during their lifetimes.

“If race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”
- Dr. Carter G. Woodson

Celebrations in the UK

Black History Month in the UK was first officially celebrated in 1987, which coincided with the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation of slavery and the 25th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity. Ghanian analyst and activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo played a huge role in organising the UK’s first Black History Month. Addai-Sebo came to the UK in 1984 when he sought refuge from political persecution during the regime of Jerry John Rawlings. He said leaving Ghana during that time meant he was “therefore absorbed in community activism right on arrival.”

Bucks SU Celebrates - Black Culture

Black Culture Market

Black Culture Market supports emerging entrepreneurs & new black businesses of African & Caribbean descent with opportunities to showcase and sell their products in the retail industry. We achieve this by curating and hosting exclusive Black Culture events in a variety of iconic venues across London. 

Taking place over two days in the heart of Brixton offers a diverse, quality shopping and cultural experience celebrating producers of the African & Caribbean community. If you're looking for gifts, cards, unique prints, jewellery, male grooming kits, skincare, clothes or other original accessories come down! This market truly embodies the community's spirit as well as supports black businesses.

• 40+ traders⁠⁠
• Tasty food⁠⁠ & cakes⁠
• Fashion⁠
• Beautiful gifts⁠⁠
• Books⁠
• Natural Skincare⁠
• Toys and Educational products ⁠
• African Art⁠
• 11am-5pm (5 and 6 October)⁠

Bucks Students’ Union will be providing transport for BNU students. Please let us know if you are interested in attending.

If you have any access requests, please email us before you get your free ticket at: surecactivities@bnu.ac.uk.

TINA: The Tina Turner Musical

Learn how Tina defied the bounds of her age, gender, and race in style. This isn’t a sob story. This is a story of hope, resilience, and pure determination. From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her triumphant transformation into a multi award-winning global superstar, Tina Turner didn’t just break the rules, she rewrote them, winning 12 Grammy Awards.

Created during Black History Month, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical’s new year-round initiative supports local Black-owned businesses. In partnership with the cast, creative team, and producers of TINA, they are striving to create more opportunities for communities beyond the four walls of the theatre.