A series of events to mark the huge contribution of London’s black communities to the capital’s history was under way on Tuesday for Black History Month.
The theme for 2023 is Saluting our Sisters, which highlights the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change and building communities.
Cherron Inko-Tariah, editor of Black History Month Magazine, said: “Black History Month is about celebrations but also about recognition and sometimes sombre reflection.
“That trinity is what makes Black History Month so magical. So much is happening in London because Londoners know how to celebrate and mark events. There will be a big buzz.”
Ms Inko-Tariah said the theme brings “magic to the air”. She said: “Those who get it, love it. They can immediately think of women in their own circle whom they would like to celebrate.”
But she added: “I cannot tell you the number of questions and queries this raised — why black women?”
She said she could answer that by saying their voices have been silenced for centuries, or by highlighting that black women are five times more like to die during childbirth, or by reassuring people that highlighting the achievements and contributions of black women does not mean ignoring black men. But she said: “I could say all of this, but my response is a simple one — why not black women?”
Mayor Sadiq Khan said he is “looking forward to celebrating the remarkable contributions that pioneering black women have made in shaping our history and inspiring change.”
He added: “London’s black communities have played a significant role in the success of our capital and Black History Month is an important opportunity to celebrate that. As we look to the contributions black Londoners have made, we also stand shoulder to shoulder with them to affirm our commitment to fully tackle the racial inequalities that still exist today.”
Each year since becoming Mayor he has hosted an annual reception to mark Black History Month. He added: “We will highlight the voices that have led to changes to the landscape of our city.”
Schools across the country are invited to take part in a national poetry competition as part of Black History Month 2023. To explore the experiences and contributions of black women throughout history. Events in London include exhibitions, talks, music, theatre, film and comedy as well as black history walks, a food fair in Ilford, a farmers’ market in Brixton and a black books festival in New Cross.
Ms Inko-Tariah said: “People often ask why Black History Month is just for one month, but I say this is what we have got — let’s work with it.” She called for the subject to be mandatory in schools and said interest in Black History Month is growing. She said: “What we are keen to always do is educate people and remind them that black people make a great contribution, and not just with Windrush — we were there before.
“Black History Month is as important today as it has ever been. We are still learning and uncovering some amazing stories. We need to know who we are and where we came from, and what people have gone through.
British-born Nigerian Ogo Mkparu, founder of children’s fashion brand Akwa Baby, said: “The biggest challenge is that Black History Month doesn’t feel like the celebration it should, even the name sounds so stern and serious, when it should be a celebration of excellence, a chance to acknowledge the contribution of our community and to share the passion of our culture. The focus should be on celebrating heritage in a way that is reflective of us — loud, vibrant, colourful, joyful, social, beautiful.”
Amanda Wilson, a London primary school head and author of Letters to a Young Generation: Aspiring School Leaders, a compilation of letters written by black headteachers, said: “There are still many challenges that black people face and one of the most pervasive challenges that needs to be addressed is the adultification of black children.
“Black children are often seen through the lens of racialised stereotypes, which leads to their mistreatment and the expectation that because they look older they should know better. Children need to be protected and although adultification is now something those in schools need to safeguard against, sadly, the rest of society still hasn’t got the memo.”
