Written By Avila Chidume
In the UK, Black History Month is celebrated annually in October, while in the USA, it takes place in February. This tradition in the US owes its roots to Carter G. Woodson, a prominent African-American historian, scholar, educator, and publisher, who established ‘Negro History Week’ in 1926. This week-long commemoration has since evolved into a month-long celebration, dedicated to honouring the achievements of African Americans and acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping US history.
Woodson introduced Negro History Week with the intention of promoting a broader understanding of black history and honoring those who paved the way in the struggle for freedom and human rights. February was chosen as the month for this commemoration because it coincides with the birthdays of influential figure in US history who advocated for the abolition of slavery: Frederick Douglass.
The theme for Black History Month in 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts,” highlighting the profound influence that African Americans have had in various fields such as literature, fashion, architecture, and more. In 2017, the theme was ‘The Crisis in Black Education’ which focused on the important role of education across African American <a href="http://<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>(<a href="https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/">https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/</a>)</p> communities.
Why Is This Years Theme Important ?
- Cultural Representation and Diversity: African-American arts showcase a rich variety of experiences, perspectives, and creativity that might otherwise be overlooked. By celebrating these arts, we acknowledge the diversity within our Black society and the unique contributions of African-American culture to the global artistic landscape.
- Historical Significance: African-American arts often reflect struggles, triumphs, and resilience in the face of adversity. They provide a lens through which to understand important historical events such as the Civil Rights Movement, slavery, and the ongoing fight for racial equality. Recognising and celebrating these contributions helps to preserve and honor the history of African-Americans and their cultural heritage.
- Inspiration and Empowerment: Celebrating African-American arts can inspire individuals, especially those from marginalised Black communities, to pursue their passions and express themselves creatively. Seeing successful Black artists, musicians, writers, and performers can serve as role models and empower others to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams.
- Fostering Understanding and Unity: Through the arts, people can connect across cultural, racial, and ethnic divides. Celebrating African-American arts helps to foster understanding, empathy, and unity among our communities by promoting dialogue, appreciation, and respect for different Blackcultural traditions and perspectives.
Take a look at different US Black history month themes here.
The influence of African-American arts is felt globally, shaping various artistic fields and inspiring countless individuals. Some notable Black icons from the 20th century to the present day who have made significant contributions to the arts include:
Painter: Jean-Michel Basquiat
A young artist in the 70s, whose artwork dealt with ‘themes of racism, classism, colonialism, and other power structures and their effects on U.S. society’.
Writer: Leila Mottley’s
debut novel ‘Nightcrawling’ was published in 2022 when she was just at 16 and labelled a New York Times bestseller. The story follows a young girl and examines themes of police brutality.
Fashion Designer: Ruth E. Carter
The first Black woman to win the Academy Award for costume design for Black Panther and Wakanda Forever. (https://www.ruthecarter.com/)
Musician :
Beyonce, most Grammy nominated artist of ALL time.
Architecture: McKissack & McKissack first and oldest Black-owned architectural firm in the US.
Culinary: George Crum
Inventor of the beloved potato snacks often referred to as chips, or crisps (in the UK) )
Inventor: Inventor: Frederick McKinley Jones
Jones created the first portable refrigeration units, allowing food and other perishable goods to be transported.
Writer: James Baldwin
A celebrated novelist, essayist, and playwright, Baldwin’s powerful writings on race, sexuality, and identity continue to resonate with readers and influence discussions on social justice and equality.
Musician: Nina Simone:
An iconic singer, song writer, pianist, and civil rights activist, Simone’s distinctive voice and socially conscious music challenged racial inequality and inspired generations of artists.
Jazz Musician: Louis Armstrong
Known as one of the most influential figures in jazz music, Armstrong’s innovative trumpet playing and charismatic stage presence revolutionised the genre and left a lasting impact on music worldwide.
Writer Maya Angelou:
A prolific writer, poet, and civil rights activist, Angelou’s autobiographical works, including “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” have become literary classics, inspiring readers around the globe.
BLAM UK CIC 