We are launching a new theme for Black History Month 2022 which is “Time for Change: Action Not Words.’
To get to a better tomorrow, we can’t just focus on the past. The past is in the past. We can acknowledge and learn from it, but to improve the future, we need action, not words. We need to come together around a shared common goal to achieve a better world for everyone.
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.
As 2021 showed, and 2022 continues to show, Black history is being made every day, in all kinds of ways. To shine a spotlight on Black history in the making, Black History Month UK magazine is inviting Black people around the UK to share their stories and experiences
We want Black people of all ages to tell their stories – the stories they want to share and be heard. Black History Month UK is a platform for the whole community to share their stories in their own words. You don’t need to be a journalist or a writer to get involved. Just tell us what’s important to you – whether it’s a story from your own life or community, your thoughts on a topical issue, a little-known person or event that deserves celebrating, or anything connected to Black history, heritage and culture – past, present or future.
Traditionally, Black History Month in October has quite rightly celebrated key figures and events in Black history. This year, we want to go beyond that to recognise the achievements and contributions that Black people make to the UK every day – from the Black people working on the Covid-19 frontline in our hospitals, care homes, schools, supermarkets and warehouses, to the children and young people leading the fight for equality in the classroom, to the household names using their platforms to push for change. That’s why we’re encouraging people of all ages, from all walks of life, to share their stories. We’re all making Black history, every day and we deserve to share and celebrate our stories.
Black History Month UK continues to grow
Black History Month UK is adding new features to its magazine and online platform in the run-up to Black History Month 2022 – with the aim of being the go-to place for the top stories and content of the day – shared from a uniquely Black perspective. From contemporary issues including Covid-19, climate change and politics, to music, film, TV, family life, food and advice. The stories and experiences shared by Black people around the UK, will share the spotlight with stories written by well-known names across politics, activism, science, culture, the public sector and business.
A new campaign for Black History Month 2022
Our theme for Black History Month 2022 is Time for Change: Action Not Words.
To get to a better tomorrow, we can’t just focus on the past. The past is in the past. We can acknowledge and learn from it, but to improve the future, we need action, not words. We need to come together around a shared common goal to achieve a better world for everyone.
To ensure real change, we need real support from our allies. It’s time to reset your mindset and support us with actions, not words.
Join us, see something, say something, and don’t be a passive bystander. Not just at the weekend in the club or playing sports, but on the street, in shops, at work.
Being an ally means moving beyond short-term or performative gestures and taking real, long-term action. In the workplace, in places of education and learning, and in the public sphere, this means having policies in place that achieve real outcomes. As an individual, it means actually practising what you preach. In the wake of 2020’s Black Lives Matter protests, many organisations and individuals committed to tackling racism.
This was done around the world by taking the time to learn about the black experience and additionally, in the UK, this included learning about the historical legacy of colonialism and slavery. That was an important step forward, but it won’t fundamentally change institutional racism today.A number of recent reports have called out racism across a range of sectors, from international aid and education to healthcare and policing. As a society, we all know there is a problem with institutional racism. Now we need to work together to tackle it.
Black people are often given the double burden of experiencing racism and discrimination, and then being expected to fix it. Hopefully, by making the theme of this year’s Black History Month magazine and website Time for Change: Action Not Words’ we can come together to make a change for the better.
Yes, 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.
Got a story to share for Black History Month 2022?
People are welcome to share their stories and experiences via letter, email or social media, including video and audio clips. To find out more and get involved please:
Email us at editor@blackhistorymonth.org.uk
