Formerly known as Negro History Month before 1976, the annual observation, now acknowledged as Black History Month, begins today.
In the United Kingdom, Black History Month was first celebrated in October 1987, and was then known as the African Jubilee. It was coincidentally the year of the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation, the centenary of the birth of Marcus Garvey and the 25th anniversary of the Organization of African Unity, an institution dedicated to advancing the progress of African states.
Organised through the leadership of Ghanaian-born analyst, Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who had served as a coordinator of special projects for the GLC (Greater London Council), it initially lasting a week, before becoming a month-long observation, as a way of remembering people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
After receiving official recognition from the governments in the United Kingdom and Ireland, it will be officially observed throughout the month, with councils, businesses, multi-education and sports institutes, entertainment venues and people in general remembering the struggles of the Black Caribbean community – for simply existing!
