By Sophie Holder, Director of Racial Equity.
The change of weather and the falling leaves inform us that summer has ended, and autumn is upon us and, as we turn the corner into October, we also have the privilege of welcoming Black History Month.
Black History Month in the UK began in 1987 to share, celebrate and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture within society. In that endeavour, the UK is one of many Western countries that has instituted a Black History Month, including Ireland, Canada, Germany and the USA.
One of the reasons early campaigners and activists sought to institute the month was because they felt the contribution of Black diaspora people had been overlooked and distorted. From a historical perspective, I would agree that this has often been the case, especially with the many negative stereotypes that exist about Black people and communities.
In reality, when thinking about Black contribution in society, it would not be an overestimation to say that modern Britain could not and would not exist in its current form without the knowledge and sacrifice of Black people. To see this, we could look to early Egyptian civilisations and their pioneering advancements in writing, architecture, mathematics, medicine and irrigation that have benefitted societies all over the world. Or the African early church father Augustine of Hippo, who is thought to be the first Christian philosopher and a foundational figure in Western thought. Or Black inventors credited with making traffic lights, the gas mask and hair straighteners. Or, the tragic, problematic and forced contribution made by millions of enslaved people during the Transatlantic Slave Trade, upon which the British Empire and Britain itself survived, thrived and would not exist today in its current form.
It is even more important to remember these far-reaching histories of Black people and communities, especially when Black contribution in the UK is often only thought about in relation to twentieth century Black presence. The Windrush generation – namely the mass migration of Black people, from predominately Caribbean Commonwealth countries - took place during the 1940’s to 1970. Yet the archives date Black presence in the UK to the Roman invasion, around 43AD. Black people have been a part of the UK - working, marrying, fighting for and making it their home - for thousands of years, and part of Black History Month is recognising this and redefining what we have known and been taught about Black heritage, Black communities and British history.
For any national month, my personal critique is that we too often highlight and celebrate the most well-known people - and of course there are great Black British icons - Walter Tull (the first Black Officer to command troops in the British Army), Lewis Hamilton (Formula One legend), Malorie Blackman (award-winning author), Naomi Campbell (supermodel) and Shirley J Thompson (lauded composer and conductor). However, for me, Black History Month is also about acknowledging the people who don’t win awards, prizes or receive national recognition. The Black people who still call this country their home, despite opposition and prejudice. Who work, live, find joy and preserve everyday - just like their neighbours. They too deserve recognition and celebration.
As Christians, we take this concept one step further. While much of the Western world has needed a counter-narrative to widespread and pervasive negative stereotypes of Black people (or anyone who is different), Black History Month, to people of faith, should be a reminder of a God - our God - who has created all people equal. He sees us all as worthy, and created variety in His people, as in all His creations, because it pleased His heart and reflected His truest desire and image. We are held to a higher standard as His people, to ensure that where the world does not recognise, represent or honour His creations, we do.
Therefore, where in our communities can we better recognise, represent and honour those from the Black diaspora? Where can we celebrate, highlight and empower their contributions in our communities and churches? For we have been called to live in one kingdom, as one people, following one God - in harmony.
As a Black woman and Director of Racial Equity at the Diocese, it has been wonderful to see the different people and communities that constitute our churches. My role over the next few years is to continue to make our Diocese one in which all people feel welcome, have opportunity and can thrive. In the coming weeks I’ll be revealing the plan being put in place to make this a reality, and how you in the Diocese can be part of this work.
Until then, the Diocese will be celebrating Black History Month in two events:
A Service of Celebration on Sunday 5 October, 10.30am at Leicester Cathedral, with guest preacher Revd Guy Hewitt, Director of the Church of Endland's Racial Justice Unit.
‘The Sound of Power and Pride’ a concert on Saturday 18 October, 6pm at HTL Church Leicester. This will be a chance for the whole family to enjoy a plethora of Black diaspora musical acts. We ask that you invite all those in your church communities, remembering that Black History Month is not just for Black people but a chance for all people to share in the heritage and culture of people from African and Caribbean descent – who have contributed so much to all of our lives.
Book your free tickets for the concert here.
I look forward to seeing you there and sharing more about the Department of Racial Equity over the coming weeks!
Sophie Holder
Sophie.Holder@LeicesterCofE.org
Download the 'Sound of Power and Pride' concert poster.
