Black History Month has been recognised in the UK since the 1980's, however, in the US, the commemorative month has been celebrated for nearly 100 years.
The first US Black History Month was commemorated in 1926 by American historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.
The commemorative month celebrates the contribution of African and Caribbean communities in both society and in culture, and over time, the event has grown in popularity.
But when is Black History Month in the UK and how is it celebrated? Here's everything you need to know.
When is Black History Month in the UK?
In the UK, Black History Month is celebrated annually in October.
In the US, Black History Month takes place in February each year.
Why is Black History Month in October in the UK and February in the US?
The British version of Black History Month was first observed in October 1987, and has, as a result, continued to follow the October dates since.
This was also a year which marked the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation, the centenary of the birth of Jamaican activist, Marcus Garvey, and the 25th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity.
The UK celebration focuses solely on the black British experience, whereas in the US, it focuses on the black American experience.
In the US back in 1926, Carter G Woodson, an American historian, carried out a week of teachings dedicated to black American history in public schools to widen the understanding of the black experience.
The historian decided to carry out the teachings in the second week in February as it coincided with the birthday of 16th president Abraham Lincoln and social reformer Frederick Douglass.
Frederick's birthday, which was on February 14, had been celebrated among black communities since the 19th century.
In 1970, the week of Black History teachings expanded to a month of celebration and this was then observed by other countries for their own black history.
How is Black History Month celebrated in the UK?
Black History Month is celebrated in numerous ways in the UK - from educational talks to local events.
When Black History Month was being celebrated for the first time in the late 1980s in London, American activist, Dr Maulana Karenga, was invited at County Hall to mark the contributions of Black people throughout history.
Consequently, Ghanaian-born analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo created a plan aiming to recognise the contributions of African, Asian and Caribbean people to the economic, cultural and political life in the UK.
More recently, the event has been commemorated as an opportunity to share, and spread awareness and understanding on the impact of Black heritage and culture nationwide.
The Black History Month website explains: " This year’s Black History Month in October is more important than ever.
"It’s not just a month to celebrate the continued achievements and contributions of Black people to the UK and around the world. It’s also a time for continued action to tackle racism, reclaim Black history, and ensure Black history is represented and celebrated all year round."
The website adds: " Black History Month is a time to celebrate black history, heritage and culture, and the iconic figures that have contributed so much, but this year, let’s make it about so much more. If you’re serious about allyship, it’s Time for Change: Action Not Words."
Throughout the month, black history will be celebrated in the community in places such as museums, workplaces and care homes with a range of topics is covered, from Britain's colonial past to migration and music.
Government funding is available to local organisations to help mark the event in their area.
To find out what is going on in your area during Black History Month, check out your local council's website.
