This is how I’m reclaiming Black History Month to make sure it’s full of joy – not trauma
The IndependentThe best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Black History Month in the UK has been celebrated since October 1987, to commemorate the achievements, culture and heritage of Black people. We’ve sought to share the lived experiences of Black people over the years to educate and to push forward change – yet the inevitable history of subjugation has largely clouded the narrative, and created stereotypes of Black people, many of whom have come to associate it with struggle and trauma. This can be observed throughout Black history, thinking about beautiful songs that were birthed out of Black movements across the world – from Nelson Mandela’s prison time on Robben Island to the American spirituals, and even Reggae influences in the Black movements in the UK. It opens space for exploring a world of creativity, but also normalises seeing positive images of Black people in spaces that showcase happiness, freedom and peace, without having to be pinned down to the past.
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