Black History Month 2024: A Celebration of Culture and Legacy
This October, the UK is gearing up for Black History Month 2024, which has grown significantly since it was first celebrated in 1987 to mark the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean. Organised by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, the event has since become a cornerstone for honouring Black history, culture, and achievements.
According to Eventbrite, the number of Black History Month events has doubled since 2019, with over 250,000 people attending more than 4,000 events across the UK. Cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester continue to host a wide range of celebrations, from historical walking tours to live performances and immersive art exhibitions.
Highlights of Black History Month 2024
- Walking Tours: Discover London’s hidden history with The Slave Trade Money Trail or delve into Black British revolutionaries and Windrush stories on the Culture Mile BID Black History Walking Tour.
- Talks and Lectures: Glasgow’s Diaspora Discs talks about ‘80s and ‘90s Black record shops, while Celebrating Innovators at RSA House spotlights African changemakers shaping global culture.
- Art Exhibitions: Visit The African Fashion and Textiles Experience in Battersea, or experience the Stories Round the Fire exhibition in Greenwich, an immersive cultural showcase.
- Music and Performance: Enjoy live jazz at the Black History Month Curated Jazz Jam in High Wycombe, or laugh along at the Comedy Shutdown Black History Month Special in Birmingham with performers like Kat B and Nabil Abdulrashid. Dance enthusiasts can also join the West Africa and Caribbean Dance Class at Clapham Library.
- Culinary Delights: Don’t miss the InIlford Food Fair Black History Month Special, a celebration of African and Caribbean cuisines that highlight the rich culinary heritage of the Black community.
A Look Back at Black History Month’s Origins
Black History Month was first celebrated in the UK in 1987 to raise awareness of Black history and contributions, inspired by the US observance. It was organised by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who aimed to promote a deeper understanding of African and Caribbean history. In the US, the month-long celebration grew out of “Negro History Week,” established by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926. It was officially recognised as Black History Month in 1976.
With events spanning education, art, music, and food, this year’s Black History Month is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the Black community in the UK.
For more information or to book tickets, visit Eventbrite’s Black History Month listings. If you’d like to connect with event creators or organisers, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
