Five Ways To Take Action This Black History Month

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This month is Black History Month - a time to celebrate the continued achievements and contributions of Black people to the UK and around the world. The theme for this year is ‘Time for Change: Action Not Words’. This means acknowledging and learning from the past, but not focusing on it. Knowing that to improve the future, we need action not words. That we need to come together around a shared common goal to achieve a better world for everyone. 

Here are some ways that you can take action to support your local, and wider, Black community, educate yourself, and others around you:

Support Black-owned businesses…

Social hashtags like #Blackowned and #Blackownedbusiness is a quick and easy way to find Black owned businesses, in your community and all around the world! In the UK you can use Black2Business - the leading Black-owned business directory - and just pop in your postcode to find businesses near you. Many Black-owned businesses still face structural racism, which poses a unique threat to their longevity and ability to serve their communities’ needs. So by continuing to shop from them, shout out about them, and share the love with other people, the more they will thrive.

Be actively anti-racist…

For people fighting against racism, simply saying you’re ‘not racist’ is not enough. To effectively defeat systemic racism, we've got to be continually working towards equality for all races, striving to undo subconscious racism in our minds, our personal environments and the wider world. If you don’t quite know where to start, supporting anti-racist charities is a good place. Why not take a look at UK Black Pride, Stop Hate UK, Black Minds Matter, SARI Stand Against Racism and Inequality to begin with. See what they stand for, how you can get involved with the charity, ways to donate, and ways to get other people involved.

Educate yourself and others…

Typically, Black History Month looks at the past. And whilst it's a brilliant thing to learn about the Black people who have come before us and made positive, lasting impacts, it’s also important to look at the now. To learn about who is paving the way for the future, who to look up to, who to support, and who is raising their voice for others. People like Tanya Compas, who founded, Exist Loudly - Creating spaces of joy, community and care for Black LGBTQ+ youth from London through creative intervention. Aja Barber, who champions changes towards more conscious shopping habits, and is the voice of sustainability and how it intersects into feminism, racism and ethics. Or Temi Mwale, who at just 19 set up The 4Front Project, an organisation that empowers young people and communities to fight for justice, peace and freedom, particularly those who have been impacted by violence. These are just three of the activists out there making a difference in the world. Who will you discover?

Read Black voices…

The more voices and stories we hear from people with different backgrounds, countries, ages, races, faiths, sexualities and cultures, the more empathetic and open minded we can be as people, and the more perspectives we can understand. So add Black authors to your reading lists! Why not try When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo, who mixes real life and fantasy to write about magic and loss, love and hope. Or An Olive Grove In Ends by Moses McKenzie, who looks at the harsh realities of street life and love. If you’re a fan of Queenie, Expectation and My Sister, The Serial Killer, then pick up Wahala by Nikki May. And if classic romcom type reads are more your thing, snap up Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola now!

Take part in Black History Month events…

A great way to learn about and participate in Black History Month is to attend events, either virtual or IRL. From special guest speakers at panels, to museum and gallery exhibitions. Music nights and food feasts to deep dives into Black history. Poetry readings, walking tours, comedy shows, storytelling nights, conferences, Black-owned business discussions, and community celebration days. There are literally hundreds of different ways to get involved in your local community and further afield. check out the listings on the UK Black History Month website to see what’s going on near you and how you can take part.