IRISE Education
About Black History
The origins of Black History Month
Black History Month started in the United States of America in 1926 when Carter G Woodson, an African American Historian and Journalist.
He saw a dream to search for the true history of people of African descent. While attending Harvard University, he established the Association for the Study of African Life and History in February 1926. He created "Negro History Week" as a way to gain and spread knowledge about black people around the world. Woodson chose the second week of February to celebrate Negro History Week because that week included the birthdays of two important men: President Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14).
In 1976 this grew into an annual month of celebrations as critics and supporters alike agreed that a month was not enough to study the depth and breadth of African American History and the vast richness of its African origins.
Black British History Month in the UK
In Britain, Black History Month was first celebrated in October 1987 as part of African Jubilee Year.
The decision to make this an annual event each October was supported by the Association of London Authorities. Its aim is to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the African Diaspora. The celebrations across the UK involved performances, history lessons and festivals. This event grew in popularity and helped to ensure that African History became part of the school curriculum.
I Rise Education
While I Rise Education agree that Black History goes way beyond one month, the school curriculum already has a lot to pack in. This is why we encourage schools to take part in what can be a truly wonderful celebration.
I Rise Education know how difficult it can be to provide a school wide approach to Black history Month due to the constraints of time, especially just before half term. This is why we provide all you need to celebrate the achievements of Black people across the world.
It is important to acknowledge the turbulent times of Black History, such as war, colonization and slavery as the survival of African people under some of the world's most horrific circumstances is a true testament to the strength, power and resilience of this proud nation and this is what I Rise education celebrates through a wide variety of activities that the whole school will enjoy.
Packages include:
Each package contains form time activities, weekly assemblies, ready to teach lessons, curriculum posters, whole school posters, banners and much more.
In every package, we always pay homage to the many contributions of Black Britons but this year, our whole package is dedicated to Black British History and the present.
Click here for more information about this year's Black British History package.