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Black History Month - October 2008

Black History Month has been celebrated in Britain for over 20 years. The month provides us with an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people and Black communities, and in the process to unearth the latent histories that shape our communities. It was the recognition that Black people history was not represented in the historical narratives and publications in Britain that lead to Black History Month.

 

Toni Morrison may have had this in mind when she describes her historical novels as “a kind of literary archaeology” of the life stories that are missing from the written records. Depending on who is writing, recording or narrating history, it is usually the dominant plot that is given agency.

 

Another writer, Arundathi Roy in The God of Small Things (1997) writes

“Pointed in the wrong direction [he continues], trapped outside their own history, and unable to retrace their steps because their footprints had been swept away. He explained to them that history was like an old house at night, with all the lamps lit, and the ancestors whispering inside.”

‘To understand history’, Chacko said, ‘we have to go inside and listen to what they’re saying.’ [1997:52]

 

Black History Month is one opportunity that invites us to enter inside and hear what the ancestors have said, have done, tell their stories and struggles of life and living and faith and faithfulness.

 

There are a variety of resources and activities available and below you will find some links to websites with numerous insights, ideas and activities. This, of course, is not an exhaustive list and your suggestions to other links, stories and projects can help update this page.

 

Whether there are Black members in your congregation or not, I invite you to consider using some of the materials in the following practical ways:

  • Try mapping the stories of your BME members, eg. interviews and write up in your church newsletter

  • Use a film for viewing and conversation (can be opened to the community)

  • Do a write up in your local newspaper

  • Get your local library to do a display (and perhaps you can also offer your Church Hall as a space for a roaming display.)

 

LINKS TO SITES RELATED TO BLACK HISTORY MONTH

http://www.blackhistorymonthuk.co.uk/ [Official Guide to Black History Month]

http://www.norfolkblackhistorymonth.org.uk/ [Norfolk Black History Month]

http://www.birminghamblackhistory.com/ [Birmingham Black History Month]

http://www.hackney.gov.uk/black-history-month.htm [Hackney Black History Month]

http://www.gara.org.uk/ [Glasgow Black History Month]

http://www.dudley.gov.uk/community-and-living/ equality--diversity/events-and-celebrations/black-history-month [Dudley Council]

http://www.southwark.gov.uk/DiscoverSouthwark/ EventsSection/blackhistorymonth/ Southwark Black History Month. http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/southeast/ webguide/pages/blackhistory.shtml [Southwark Council]

http://www.ctbi.org.uk/350 [Churches Together in Britain & Ireland]

http://www.livingoutfaith.org.uk/ [Religious Education – Black Perspective

http://www.gtce.org.uk/weblinks/black_history_month/ [Educational Resources & Links)

 

Through Different Eyes

David Williams from High Cross URC, Tottenham, explores Black History Month.

LINKS:

 

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