Black History Month is an annual observance that commemorates the history and achievements of members of the black community.

In the US – where it originated in the early 20th century – the month is also known as African-American History Month.

Here is everything you need to know about Black History Month:

When is it?

Black History Month takes place every year in the UK in October.

The annual observance is also commemorated in other parts of Europe during October, including Ireland and the Netherlands.

In the US, where Black History Month originated, the awareness month is held in February.

It is also celebrated in Canada during the month of February, where it became an officially-recognised event in 1995.

How did it start?

Virginian-born Carter Godwin Woodson, a historian and co-founder of the “Association for the Study of Negro Life and History” (now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History), is credited with being the “father of black history”.

In February 1926, Woodson and his organisation launched “Negro History Week”, a precursor to Black History Month.

The group chose the second week of February for the observance to coincide with the birthdays of 16th US president Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass.

Woodson believed the teaching of black history was vital in the study of race within society, stating: “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”

The week grew in popularity over the years, inspiring the creation of black history clubs and prompting mayors across the country to endorse it as a holiday.

Following more than four decades of the week, the first celebration of Black History Month in the US was held at Kent State University in 1970 from 2 January until 28 February.

In 1976, US President Gerald Ford recognised Black History Month, urging members of the public to “seize the opportunity to honour the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavour throughout our history”.

Black History Month was first celebrated in the UK in 1987, an event that was organised by Ghanaian-born Akyaaba Addai-Sebo.

How is it commemorated?

Black History Month in the UK is commemorated with various events across the country, including talks, exhibitions and concerts.

For this year’s Black History Month, Croydon BME Forum has partnered with Croydon Council and Croydon Black History Month to host a variety of activities, which includes film screenings, poetry projects and apprenticeship events.

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“The theme of this year’s Black History Month is RID the stigma,” the Croydon Council website states.

“RID (representation, identity, diversity) the stigma, will provide a focus on black heritage and how young people feel they are seen negatively in the community, and want to change that by ridding the stigma and focusing on their true representation, identifying who they are and incorporating the diversity of all the different cultures and heritage to rid the stigma around young black people.”

The University of Birmingham has organised a programme of events for Black History Month alongside the institution’s BAME Staff Network, following the theme: “Let’s Talk About Race.”

These events include a visual arts competition, a short story competition and a book club.

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