Last month we celebrated Black History Month, a global understanding and celebration of black history, culture and a more. In the UK, it was first observed in the late 1980s, where the aim was to combat racism via education of black history, and since it has become an annual celebration of the achievements of the black community as well as a remembrance of their history.
We asked our colleagues what the importance of Black History Month meant to them, and here are some of their answers.
Chloe:
“Black History Month is a fantastic celebration to remember and recognise the influences people of African and Caribbean descent had on the world which have shaped the culture of today. It is brilliant to have a month dedicated to Black History to highlight the importance and of how far we have come and to honour icons such as Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Rosa Parks.”
Michael:
“Black History Month is everyone’s history; we need to ensure that we teach this and the next generations what black people have been through and what they continue to endure to this day.
I believe that black history month should be used to help amplify the voices of black artists and influential people who are currently working right now or from the past.
Two of my favourite pieces of media from 2018 where Black Panther and Spiderman: Into the spider-verse, both films centred around a black character and deal with how they handle change in their life, both be it in different ways. If you haven’t checked them out, please do.
Lastly, I feel if anything, black history month should teach us that we are all humans, with different wants, needs and experiences. We should treat every single person on this planet the same way as you would want to be treated, and given them the same rights as you would want.”
Kavita:
Black history month for me is a celebration and appreciation and most importantly an understanding of black history and culture. The month is a chance to educate ourselves and the next generation in the fight for equality and anti-racism. “Without knowledge, ignorance is inevitable”.
I believe it is also a chance to take a step back and look at today’s society and see how we can do better. It should be something we celebrate throughout the year, not for just one month.
We also spent the last month educating ourselves, and so every day of October we posted on our social media pages of the achievements of people within the black community globally, from Nelson Mandela to Chadwick Boseman. Take a look at our social media channels to find out more @PrimeLifeUK.