It’s Black History Month In The US, But Not The UK – Here’s Why

Black History Month might be drawing to a close in the US, but it’s still a long way off here in the UK. We celebrate Black History Month in October, but why does it vary across the globe? Here’s what you need to know.

Why Does Black History Month Vary Around The World?

Black History Month has taken place every October in the UK since 1987, thanks to Akyaaba Addai-Sebo who came to the UK from Ghana as a refugee in 1984 – but its roots are, of course, in America. Across the Atlantic, Black History Month has its roots in the work of historian Carter G. Woodson at the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), who proposed ‘Negro History Week’ take place in the second week of February every year. By 1976, the week had grown into a month.

Here in the UK – as well as Ireland and the rest of Europe – Black History Month is a slightly newer celebration, exploring similar issues with added national nuance. We celebrate Black History in October instead of February. Why? According to activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo – who pioneered the formation of Black History Month in the UK to confront ‘the identity crisis that Black children faced’ – it’s all about spirit. Inspired by America’s annual celebrations, Akyaaba recognised February probably wasn’t the right time for the UK to celebrate. ‘We settled on the propitious month of October, when the weather was not cold and children were fresh after the long summer vacation and had less to worry about exams and tests and the camaraderie was stronger as they shared experiences,’ he says.

‘We believed that they would absorb more if their living environment buzzed with positive vibes, instructions and images about themselves and their origins, thus celebrating who they are as “Africans” who gave the world the concept of monotheism (the worship of a one and only God); who helped to install the first electric lighting system in London, Amsterdam and New York, in the person of Lewis Latimer, a pioneering partner of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesler (credited with lighting the world) and many more,’ Akyaaba says. ‘October in the UK as February in the US is to inculcate self-pride and especially in children. Self-pride is the catalyst for achievement and there is no greater “truth” than knowing yourself.’

Why Is Black History Month In February?

In the US, Black History Month was originally celebrated in the second week of February to straddle the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. By 1976, the week had expanded into a month-long celebration.