In October each year, we take a look at black history around the world and the contributions made by black historical figures and black communities.
Often our first thoughts are of historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jnr, Mary Seacole, Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks to name a few. Their contributions to the history books and society today are unquestionable.
Additionally, we have started to look at more modern day notable black figures of inspiration and those providing impactful change on how we live today such as Maya Angelou, Muhammad Ali, Michelle and Barack Obama and not forgetting sporting giants such as Sir Mo Farah, Usain Bolt, Lewis Hamilton and Marcus Rushford.
Change and hope
All of the above have provided meaningful change and hope for change for those often marginalised because of their skin colour. In order to grow societal change and acceptance of diversity, it is important to continue to educate all and empower those marginalised, to showcase the importance and beauty of diversity within all communities.
This year when I started to think of the importance of celebrating Black History Month (BHM) I thought of my own life journey as a black female, born in the UK, with my early years during the end period of the Windrush Generation.
I remember the struggles my parents had, mum working nights and dad working days in jobs that were influenced by societal perception that black people could only fulfil certain roles within communities. I remember people wanting to touch my skin and hair out of curiosity!
I remember being educated in schools where the numbers of black pupils within each year group were in single figures and there were no black teachers. I remember schools focussing on my sporting ability and not putting any emphasis on my academic abilities.
I fondly think of all the traditions I grew up with – Sunday Dinner coupled with Otis Reading and Al Green, being one of my favourites. There was a real emphasis on the importance of eating together as a family, especially on a Sunday. When I reflect upon my memories,
I think of the contributions that black people have made upon everyday life as we know it today and I smile. Contributions to music and food always come to mind. I don’t think that there is a country out there that has not heard of and enjoyed the music of Bob Marley. The words sung are words of redemption, love, faith, harmony and hope.
The variety of foods that are available now, in the UK, from around the world is vast. With that variety comes the shared traditions – ‘Soul Food’ and ‘Sunday Dinner’. These shared traditions are enjoyed by all, whether it be a visit to your local Caribbean or African takeaway, or a visit to a street food festival or an invitation to join a West Indian or African family for a meal.
Black History Month is a time to explore not only historians but a time to explore how, where and when black culture and life styles have influenced your life today. It’s also a time to explore how societal changes have influenced the lives of black people today.
Something you enjoy
So, as well as looking at the contributions of those aforementioned black historical figures, this year, think about something that you enjoy within your day-to-day life, whether it be a particular food, piece of clothing, song, festival, church or activity, and think about where does this originate from? How have the contributions made by the parents of your black friends and colleagues influenced how you live today? I think you will agree that this is ‘food for thought’.
In the words of Bob Marley ‘One Love’.
