Why should we be taught Black History all year round?

Akira Johnson works in the communications team here at Changing Futures. In this blog, she sheds light on what Black History Month means to her and why there should be an ongoing conversation about teaching Black History all year round.

October is known as Black History Month in the UK. As a mixed-heritage young woman, I have very clear and fond memories of discovering Black History Month when I was younger. By learning about past individuals, injustices and triumphs in the black community and history, I was finally able to connect with my Black identity. I lived vicariously through these black individuals and their successes and felt extremely proud to learn about these hidden figures.

I am someone who lives and breathes music, and one album that will always resonate with me is Solange’s “A seat at the table”, and like the name suggests, the album contains messages about being Black and finally getting a seat at the table. There is one interlude with Tina Knowles which highlights the common argument about having a Black History Month: 

  
It's just taking pride in it, but what's irritating is when somebody says 
You know, "They're racist!", "That's reverse racism!" 
Or "They have a Black History Month, but we don't have a White History Month!" 
Well, all we've ever been taught is white history 
So, why are you mad at that? Why does that make you angry? 
That is to suppress me and to make me not be proud 

So much of our history has been eradicated, shifted and altered throughout time and we only have a small month to learn and celebrate so many individuals, old and new, throughout our community.  

Now, I could have simply written about Black history month and quoted some key individuals and gone about my day, but instead I asked the following question to my Changing Futures colleagues: “Why should we be taught black history outside of October?” since I believe change needs to happen at a wider scale and on a longer timeframe to encourage learning for those inside and outside the black community. Temba Marahi, our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead had this to say and it resonated with me:

Identity is key in understanding one's self-worth, self-value and one's social currency.  History helps us on this journey. Black History Month is a simple way to highlight our history. But it is not the only month that should. It should serve as a reminder that it is everyone’s business, and we should all be involved if we want to understand each other. We live in a multicultural country tied with history; both negative and positive and this history should be shared and learnt about across schools and beyond.  One month to celebrate Black History is something, but in some shape of form it should be every day.  

Black History Month doesn’t mean that Black history should only be honoured once a year. Black history happens every single minute of every day – there is someone making history and making the black community proud of their achievements and those who created the path for us before. Black history is a driving force that unites and inspires different generations, and I hope to finally see a mainstream conversation about making the school curriculum and general media content, more diverse with its history.