The importance of Black History Month 2024

Black heritage and culture are integral part of British history. We know that the romans conquered Britian with soldiers from North Africa and that there were black people within Henry VII’s court. People of African and Caribbean decent have been a large part of British culture and society for centuries. Yet, many of their stories are untold, misrepresented, and oversimplified, and we still see racism across the country.

What is Black History Month?

Celebrated in October annually, Black History Month honours the achievements and contributions of people of African and Caribbean heritage to the UK. In 1926, an American historian, author, and journalist, Carter G. Woodson, introduced Black History week. Woodson’s parents were former slaves, and his life work circled around promoting black history in schools. The week expanded in 1970 to the month of February for the US. Like US, the UK also established a Black History month in 1987 celebrated in October annually. The UK Black History Month was spearheaded by a Ghanan refugee called Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, paying tribute to the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean. This year’s theme is reclaiming narratives, with the aim of addressing historical inaccuracies, highlighting untold stories, and reclaiming control by showcasing black stories and history.

What is racism?

Racism is when someone is treated unfairly or poorly because of the colour of their skin or where they are from. Unfortunately, it can happen anywhere and at anytime, including at work, in school, in the street, or online. Racism has detrimental impacts on mental health and those who are experiencing any form of racism or discrimination should speak to a mental health professional to offset those effects.

Why is Black History Month so important?

People of African and Caribbean decent have historically and chronically been underrepresented throughout history. They have faced discrimination, prejudice, bias, and racism just because of the colour of their skin. In recent years, the world has starting to understand the importance of giving black people a voice and the consequences of racism on individuals and wider communities. Despite this, there is still a long way to go in the UK.

To empower and inspire

Black people have faced misrepresentation throughout history, with their stories frequently oversimplified, overlooked, and shown through the lens of someone else. The 2024 theme of Reclaiming Narratives is a call to action for all people of African and Caribbean heritage to share their stories and take control of their narrative to educate, empower, and inspire others, especially the next generation of black people.

To fight racism

Black History Month highlights the extensive inequalities and racism that many black people still face daily, and the immense impact racism has on victims and the wider community. The month is hugely important for fighting racism that still exists today. It opens dialogue to challenge stereotypes and stigmas and highlights systemic racism. The month celebrates diversity, inspires change, and provides an opportunity for other communities to understand and honour the achievements and resilience of black individuals of the past and present.

To educate

Black History Month serves as a tool and platform to encourage educational improvement to understand black history and the importance of individual stories.

The month highlights contributions, promotes inclusive history, and teaches empathy. It encourages understanding in the aim to inspire critical thinking and to educate wider communities about the achievements, resilience, and contributions of black people across the world.

There is a direct link between education and combatting racism. Education is needed to fight racism and if we learn more about black history, the more we are less likely to repeat the same mistakes of the past. After all, it was Maya Angelou who said, “I have great respect for the past. If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going.”

Impacts of racism and mental health

Racism and mental health are closely linked. Experiencing racism in any form can be detrimental to mental health and even increase the likelihood of having mental health conditions. Racism may even deter individuals from everyday normal things, such as going on public transport, interacting with figures of authority like the police, and visiting countries where racism is reported.

Racial Trauma

Similar to PTSD, racial trauma refers to the emotional and mental damage that is caused by direct experiences with racism, such as racial bias and prejudice based on skin colour. Racial trauma is not categorized as a mental health diagnosis or condition, but it can significantly impact an individual’s mental wellbeing, such as feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, and isolation.

Intergenerational Trauma

Trauma can be passed down from person to person through generations and genes. A parent who has experienced traumatic events based on their race may hold onto memories, changing their view on the word, and making it more likely that their children will inherit their trauma. Intergenerational trauma poses a higher risk of mental health challenges for all generations.

Barriers to mental health care

Structural racism in healthcare systems can lead to gaps in access to mental health services for minority communities. From these disparities, people of African and Caribbean heritage may find it harder to access the care they need for their mental health, leading to undiagnosed conditions and not accessing the correct treatments to support their mental health challenges.

Increased mental health challenges

Evidence suggests that 23% of people from black communities experience mental health challenges, compared to 17% of their white counterparts in the UK. Having to deal with racism and discrimination because of the colour of your skin can be debilitating on mental wellbeing. Being told that your identity and something you cannot change about yourself is wrong can weigh heavily on the mind, inciting self-esteem issues, extreme low mood, feelings of anxiety, fear, and depression.

Prolonged Stress

Individuals who often experience discrimination, like racism, can be at risk of prolonged stress, leading to weakened immune system, isolation, low energy, insomnia, and worsening mental health conditions. Chronic stress can even lead to further health implications, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

How to offset these impacts

Seek support

If you are experiencing racism and/or mental health challenges, it is vital that you seek professional support to gain invaluable advice and resources so you can be healthier, happier, and thrive. Contacting your GP to find out counselling options can be the best first step. Your workplace, school, or local community may also offer counselling routes, such as an EAP. Counsellors will offer new perspectives and could assist in problem-solving, finding the best resolution for you and your health.

Talk to trusted people

Discussing your issues with trusted family member or friend can alleviate worries and tensions. They may even be able to empathise with your situation, making you feel understood and heard. Speaking to a trusted friend or family member is also known to boost happiness and decrease loneliness, reducing mental health challenges further. You may even want to seek out a counsellor to discuss your challenges, gaining invaluable different perspectives, confidence, and advice on how to cope with the emotional and mental damage of racism.

How can organisations and leaders celebrate Black History Month?

Celebrating Black History Month in the workplace is important for spreading awareness, increasing education, and combatting racism. Organisations must take the lead in promoting inclusivity and diversity within their workplace, this includes creating safe spaces for people of African and Caribbean heritage and caring for their wellbeing.

• Provide accessible and free mental health care Support diverse employees by bridging the gap in disparities within the healthcare system by offering independent mental healthcare. This could be in the form of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which offers free and confidential mental health support for everyone within the organisation.

• Invite a guest speaker Provide free education and empower your black colleagues by inviting a guest speaker. Encourage learning and understanding of black history by inviting a guest speaker to your workplace to discuss the importance of African and Caribbean influences, achievements, and resilience in the UK.

• Buy employees lunch from black owned restaurants Support the black community and put a smile on your employees faces by buying them lunch from black owned restaurants.