Black History Month is taking place in October 2023 and there are plenty of events to get involved with across Greater Manchester. Olivia Hughes explores what Black History Month is and its importance in Manchester.
A brief history of Black History Month
Black History Month began as a way to celebrate and uplift African and Caribbean communities who have been systemically and overtly oppressed in Britain for centuries.
In recent years more emphasis has been placed on the failings of the British government in actions relating to the Windrush Generation and the importance of protecting black lives with the Black Lives Matter movement.
The concept was invented by Carter G. Woodson when in 1926 he sent out a press release for the United States’ first Black History Week.
Black History Month in the UK
Black History Month started on 1 October 1987 in the United Kingdom.
October is when African chiefs and leaders gather to settle their disputes so this month was chosen to reconnect with black peoples’ roots on the continent.
When the first event was held in 1987 it was the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation in October and thus another significant reason to hold the event at that time.
Black History Month in Manchester
Manchester has celebrated Black History Month since its inception in the UK.
Events across Greater Manchester have grown to a wider scale as more people get involved with the celebrations.
Greater Manchester’s Black History Month 2023
This year Manchester has themed the month ‘saluting our sisters’ to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of black women to society.
There are plenty of activities to get involved with including free workshops in local libraries that will give the public the chance to research and retell the stories of inspirational black women through comics.
In Central Library on October 2 there will be a Bridgeton themed painting workshop and panel discussion.
Bury Art Museum is hosting “Am I not a woman and a sister?” – a four-screen film installation made with Manchester-based artist Elizabeth Kwant and female survivors of modern slavery with national charity City Hearts.
‘Dreams’ singer Gabrielle will be performing at the Bridgewater Hall on October 19 and Taskmaster contestant Sophie Duker will bring her new stand-up show ‘Hag’ to The Lowry on October 13.
With plenty for people to see and do across all of Greater Manchester, this year’s Black History Month should be a truly fantastic celebration of black history and culture.
Featured image courtesy of Manchester City Council
