Adam Perry, B3Living's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, writes about Black History Month
The month of October is Black History Month, a time to celebrate and amplify the significant contributions that black people have made to our society and culture, learn more about black history and reflect on the lessons learned and changes which can be made.
Despite the UK being largely multicultural, inequalities, bias/stereotypes, and inaccuracies and/or erasure of black history and positive contributions still exist. The recent right-wing violence is an upsetting but clear reminder that tensions still exist in our society.
Our media is selective in what it reports, the level of attention it gets, and the conclusions drawn when it comes to the black community.
Our school curriculum does not reflect the diversity of our society in the resources and literature studied, nor does it cover much in the way of historical events which involved the black community.
A key phrase that serves as a summary is: ‘you can’t be, what you can’t see’.
Until we have better representation, Black History Month will continue to be important.
In today’s world, stories are powerful tools that shape how we understand our past, present, and future.
For too long, the history of black communities has been told through lenses that often misrepresent, oversimplify, or entirely overlook the rich and diverse experiences of those who lived it.
This theme is about taking ownership of the stories that define our culture, our contributions, and our very identity.
One of the most exciting aspects of Reclaiming Narratives is its potential to inspire and educate the next generation.
In schools, universities, and cultural institutions, this theme offers a fresh perspective on black history that goes beyond the traditional focus on slavery and civil rights.
It’s about celebrating black excellence in all its forms—whether in the arts, sciences, politics, or everyday life.
What can you do?
Listen, learn and reflect! It is important that we all continue to develop our knowledge. It doesn’t matter if you have very little knowledge, or vast amounts of knowledge, there is always something new to learn.
I have put together some suggestions below on resources to read/watch to learn more. Happy reading/watching!