Black History Month Briefing by BELLAVIA RIBEIRO-ADDY

introduction

p and down the country local authorities, students’ unions and community groups are organising events and workshops to celebrate the history of Black

peoples during October.

Black History Month seeks to promote knowledge of Black History and experience, to share information across communities on positive Black contributions to British society, and to heighten the awareness of Black people in their cultural heritage. NUS Black Students’ Campaign is therefore encouraging you — with the support of your Black and cultural clubs and societies — to take up activities during this month-long initiative. By embracing our diverse student communities, you can be part of the national drive to educate, inform, celebrate and share the history of all our cultures across our campuses. At the moment Black communities, are being further stigmatised and marginalised by the growing climate of racism in society. We need to be joining campaigns and actively trying to make a dif-

ference. This is important if we are to try to make this world a better place. It is important if we are to leave our own legacies, as our predecessors have done before us. Black History Month gives us a platform to highlight all these issues affecting Black people here and around the world. This briefing offers ideas for you to use in your institution and Black students’ group during Black History Month. In addition to ideas of activities and events you could organise, we have also included a series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), a list of great Black Britons, a model article to place in your union publication, and useful links to other websites. For more information you can also visit the Black Students’ Campaign web site at: www.officeronline.co.uk/black However, should you require any further assistance or resources, we are more than willing to offer any help you may need in co-ordinating your activities. If you have any comments or suggestions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Equally, please feedback details on your local action so that we can publicise your events on the campaign web site!

Yours in unity,

Bellavia Ribeiro-Addy NUS Black Students’ Officer (2008–9) E: bell@nus.org.uk T: 07950 614 989

Naa-Anyima Quaye NUS Black Students’ Committee BHM Guide Deputy-Editor

frequently asked questions when was black history month set up in the UK, and by whom? Akyaaba Addai Sebbo is widely regarded as the instigator of Black History Month in the UK. Addai worked with Ken Livingstone at the Greater London Council (GLC) as co-ordinator of Special Projects. The first event was held on 1st October 1987, when the GLC hosted Dr Maulana Karenga from the US to mark the contributions of Black people throughout history. Addai began thinking about celebrations of Black history, and drew up a plan to recognise the contributions of African, Asian, Caribbean and Arab people to the economic, cultural and political life in London and the UK. Since 1987 was also part of African Jubilee Year, other boroughs began to formally institute a Black History Month in the UK.

what form do events take and where are they held? Initiatives take place across the UK with voluntary groups, local authorities, primary care trusts, museums and libraries often taking a lead in planning events. All projects use the skills and experiences of the local workforce and community in the planning and delivery. Smaller groups do equally good work on limited budgets, e.g. running supplementary schools, which incorporate history, or incorporating the Black History Month theme into existing events. There is always a rich programme of events: storytelling, historical walks, theatrical productions, comedy and panel debates are a few examples, but all have history as an integral part of their purpose. Some employers, especially local authorities, can earmark specific budgets, which groups can apply

for at the beginning of each financial year. Other councils pick up and absorb publicity or venue hire costs in some cases.

if black history month derives from the US, why and when was it set up there? Carter G Woodson initiated the Negro History Week in 1926, which then became Black History Month. He chose February because the birthdays of the two influential figures — Abraham Lincoln, US president and Frederick Douglass — who he believed to have impacted on the conditions of the “Negro”, fell in February. The late African-American writer, John Hernik Clarke wrote: ‘If we are to change tomorrow, we are going to have to look back with some courage, and warm our hands on the revolutionary fires of those who came before us.’ This quote was a catalyst for Addai’s plans at the GLC in 1987.

what are the dates for black history month and why october? Black History Month runs throughout the month of October. There has long been concern about the experience of Black children in the UK, and this was a key factor in setting October as the Black History Month. It is at the beginning of a new academic year and can instil pride and identity into young Black learners. The month is also significant within the African cultural calendar because the autumn equinox in Africa coincides with the harvest period, and is a time of plenty. October

is also a period of tolerance and reconciliation in African culture. Black history is therefore a reconnection with the African source, hence the Black History Month symbol of Sankofa — learning from the past — with the benefit of hindsight.

who celebrates black history month? can anyone participate, or is just for black people? Black History Month is open to participation by everyone and is ideally developed, delivered and managed as an educational and historical awareness experience by Black people — African, Asian, Caribbean and Arab heritage — and should be shared by everyone as world history.

why do black people need a history month? In an ideal world, the month would not be necessary, because educational establishments and the national curriculum would fully recognise and appreciate the contribution of Black people throughout history. Sadly that is not the case. The Black community uses this history month as an opportunity to share with the world its vast contributions: a time to demonstrate pride in its creativity, respect for its intellectual prowess and a celebration of its cultural identity which is far too often misrepresented, when it is not being ignored, in the mainstream.

how can I find out more about bhm latest news and events? As the stature of Black History Month grows, there are national Black History Month publications to bring together and document the full diversity of events taking place in towns and cities around Britain. Some such magazines are Black History Month Magazine, Black Heritage Today and Black History 365. They are available free from libraries across the UK. See the links section for details.

is black history month recognised by the government? are there any government-backed events? Black History Month is recognised by the government and many MPs get involved in hosting and chairing events, speaking at launches, and have provided forwards for the two magazines. The GLA, local authorities, and the Home Office have Black workers’ networks, which organise seminars every year for staff. Ask your local politicians to support your initiatives!

great black britons Here are some further examples of successful Black Britons who have made substantial contributions to British society:

ade adepitan Having survived polio as a youngster, Ade went on to compete as a wheelchair basketball player on an international level. Ade has been a trailblazer and advocate for the Black and disabled communities. He has represented Great Britain at the Olympics in Athens and Sydney, and competed in European and World Championships. His sporting achievements have led him to presenting roles on BBC Two’s Grandstand and the Holiday programme, as well as being appointed an ambassador for London’s 2012 Olympic bid. He featured in the high profile poster campaign and was an integral part of the delegation that went to Singapore to present to the Olympic Committee to help bring the games to Britain. Ade was awarded an MBE for his contribution to disabled sport.

sislin fay allen Sislin Fay made the headlines when she became the Metropolitan Police’s first Black female officer in 1969. It was an unassuming follow-up to a newspaper advert for police officers that led Sislin to interview and then, to the surprise of her husband and family, her selection. The first prejudice Sislin encountered came from within the Black community, because she had joined the Met whose track record of policing the Black community was rife with racial prejudice. This was followed by abuse from the white British community who refused to be policed by a Black officer. Sislin’s tenacity was a source of great courage and inspiration for other Black people to join the police and try to bring about a fairer criminal justice system.

john archer John Archer was born in Liverpool and moved to Battersea where he became involved in politics. He was a progressive who supported the creation of public baths and protested against animal vivisection. On his election as Mayor of Battersea in 1913, Archer spoke with dignity and pride about his Blackness. He said of his accomplishment: “My election marks a new era. For the first time in the history of the English nation a man of colour has been elected mayor of an English borough.

That will go forth to all the coloured nations of the world. They will look to Battersea and say, ‘It is the greatest thing you have done. You have shown that you have no racial prejudice, but recognise a man for what you think he has done.’”

linda bellos Linda Bellos is best known as a gay and political rights activist, and former leader of Lambeth Council. Linda was the first Black woman to join the Spare Rib feminist collective and was vice-chair of the campaign to select Black candidates in the Labour Party. On being elected Leader of Lambeth Council, she became the first Black women to hold such a post. As chair of London’s Strategic Policy Unit in the 1980s, she helped introduce Black History Month. Her work on mainstreaming equality within the British Army and Metropolitan Police gave her an insight into some major institutions, which she used to benefit other public authorities and set up her own specialist equality company, Diversity Solutions Consultancy. Linda retains an active involvement in the voluntary and community sector, which keeps her work relevant and valid to grassroots communities.

beryl gilroy Beryl Gilroy made her name as a leading Caribbean writer, although her major impact was as an educationalist, and Britain’s first Black head teacher. Much of her writing conveyed the way in which generations of West Indian families were affected by life in Britain. Her later work explored the history of the African and Caribbean Diaspora through slavery. Having trained as a teacher in Guyana, Beryl found employment in inner London, where she soon rose to head of a primary school. Beryl later joined the Institute of Education and the Centre for Multicultural Education, during which time she applied her psychological knowledge to her teaching experience. Beryl went on to secure a doctorate in counselling psychology and a fellowship at the Institute of Education.

peter herbert qc Peter Herbert QC is a barrister and judge, and the chair of the Society of Black Lawyers. A longstanding campaigner and human rights advocate, Peter is one of two Black members on the Metropolitan Police Authority with a range of contemporary interests from employment

discrimination to deaths in custody and childcare law. Away from the MPA, Peter has chaired a number of mental health homicide inquiries, and is a member of the Attorney General’s Race Advisory Committee. Peter was appointed one the first Black judges in Britain in 1996. He was awarded the American Bar Association diversity award in 2002 and was recently appointed an Employment Tribunal chair and a recorder in the Crown Court. Peter also chairs the independent Race Hate Crimes Forum, helping to combat racial violence.

sake dean mahomed Sake Dean Mahomed grew up in India in the late 1700s to serve in the English army as a trainee surgeon. Aged 25 he moved to Ireland where he wrote his first book, ‘The Travels of Dean Mahomet’, becoming the first Indian to write a book in English. Sake then moved to London, where he opened the first Indian restaurant in England: the Hindustani Coffee House. He then moved on to Brighton, where he opened the first shampooing vapour masseur bath as a cure to many diseases. So successful was Sake’s treatment that hospitals referred patients to him, and King George IV appointed him his surgeon.

shapurji saklatvala mp Shapurji Saklatvala was born in India but moved to Britain where he got involved in politics, joining the Independent Labour Party. In 1921 Saklatvala joined the Communist Party, and with the support of the local Trades Council, won Battersea in the 1922 General Election, becoming the earliest Black Member of Parliament. In the 1923 General Election Saklatvala lost the seat to a Liberal Party candidate by 186 votes, but got his revenge by beating the same candidate by 540 votes in the 1924 General Election. During the General Strike of 1926 Saklatvala was a strong supporter of the miners. In one speech he urged the army not to fire on strikers, for this he was found guilty of sedition and imprisoned. In the 1929 General Election, the Labour Party refused to support Communist Party candidates, so he lost his seat.

mary seacole Undeniably, Mary Seacole’s reputation after the Crimean War (1853–1856) rivalled Florence Nightingale’s. Unlike Nightingale, Seacole also had

the challenge to have her skills put to proper use in spite of her being Black. A born healer and woman of driving energy, she overcame official indifference and prejudice. She got herself out to the war through her own efforts and at her own expense; risked her life to bring comfort to the wounded and dying soldiers; and became the first Black woman to make her mark on British public life.

arthur wharton The first Black professional football player in the UK was Arthur Wharton who joined Preston North End in 1886, trailblazing against the racist attitudes of fans and football authorities. Born in Ghana in 1865, Arthur was half-Grenadian and half-Scottish. In 1882 he moved to England to train as a missionary but soon got bored and set out for a sports career. He competed in athletics competitions and set a new 10 seconds world record for the 100 yards dash in 1886, which brought him to the attention of football clubs. His first professional team was Preston North End where he was goalkeeper. A high point of this career was playing in the FA Cup semi-final. There was speculation at the time that Arthur was a good enough to play for England but sadly he was never considered, due in part to the racial prejudices of the time. It would be another 90 years before a Black football player represented England.

dr. daniel williams Williams found that Black patients were routinely subject to second-class medical care while opportunities for Black doctors were limited, while admission to medical and nursing schools was restricted because of institutional racism. When Dr. Williams met a woman who’d been refused admission by every nursing school in the area it prompted him to launch a Black-owned hospital, where he also opened a Black nursing school, but he employed Black and white doctors to emphasise the need to give the best care to everyone. When in 1893 a man was rushed to hospital with a stab wound to the chest, Dr. Williams decided to open up the man’s chest to see what could be done. The surgeons found a pierced blood vessel and a tear to tissue around the heart, which they managed to repair. It was the first successful open heart surgery ever performed.

ideas to celebrate black history month Black History is often overlooked as a valid concept, especially in education. By using this opportunity to empower and educate each other we can develop a greater understanding of one another as a multicultural society. So what exactly can students’ unions do? Before getting started, officers need to consider: whether Black students have been consulted; how Black History Month can engage Black students who are not already active; and how students’ unions can establish links with local community-based projects that will be running events. When organising any events, it is also useful to see if there is potential for cross liberation work, for example, you could organise joint events looking at issues focussing on Black LGBT students, Black women or Black disabled people. And to guarantee attendance at the events, advertise free refreshments on your publicity!

• Bring in other liberation groups to help organise an event looking at the experiences in Britain — or your institution — of Black women, LGBT or disabled people. • Hold a celebration of success awards/dinner for Black students — and their supporters. • Work with the student anti-racism group to run a Rise Against Racism initiative in your college — a stall, film showing etc. NUS and the Student Assembly Against Racism can help provide materials. • Ask Unite Against Fascism and Love Music Hate Racism to organise a music gig at your union. Or put on a bhangra, hip-hop, or African music/club night.

here are a number of ideas that might help you get involved:

• Set up a panel debate about racism in education, anonymous marking, high drop out rates etc. Another popular discussion is on Stop and Search policing or Black people in the media. Invite external speakers to come and speak at the session — NUS can help with contacts.

• Have a freshers’ fair stall with information on how to get involved and details of who to approach.

• Contact local museums and ask for loans of artefacts, replicas or materials and hold an exhibition.

• Promote the ‘Black Students Officer in Every Union’ campaign to increase Black representation — pass a motion at your Union Council/Executive committee meeting.

• Create a photo exhibition on black achievements in arts/science (Nobel Laureates, inventors etc).

• Run an open-house at your union inviting Black students to come in and learn about your work. • Get the union executive to run a Clubs and Societies training event for Black groups.

• Hold a slam poetry competition — historically used to reflect on topical issues. • Focus your Black History Month activities within a week. Play traditional music in your union ask your university canteens and bars to offer themed menus on certain days and your student radio station to hold an international music day and commission pieces covering Black history. Link in its relevance to university and diversity. • Ask different societies to perform at a fund raising evening. i.e. the gospel choir, ACS, Indian society, etc. • Pass symbolic AGM and union council motions on diversity, mandating a yearly Black History Month campaign. • Hold peaceful demonstrations/vigils in remembrance of black history — i.e. the Montgomery bus strike and Rosa Parks.

• Bring politicians and journalists to talk on topical black issues, multiculturalism, war on terror and the IMF and World Bank. • Promote international campaigns, or tackle international justice issues like the war in Iraq or the brutal and illegal occupation of Palestine. NUS can help provide materials. • Show Black films (from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, or documentaries like Injustice or 500 Years Later). • Run an international food fair or market in a central venue by engaging your international students. • Ask the college caterers to serve up food originating from Black countries. • Put up wall displays and write features in your college newspaper about Black peoples’ contributions in a range of fields, e.g. medicine, science, sport and politics. • Organise a trip to see the slavery exhibition at the Liverpool Maritime Museum and take a tour around the city to see how it benefited economically from slavery.

here are some actions you can take on a more personal level: • Extend your personal support and endorsement of diversity initiatives. • Use your position to put race and other issues firmly on the agenda. • Encourage leadership amongst your peers and colleagues. • Set an example. If you would like to talk though your ideas, or want to let us know about events you are putting on in your union, we can help promote these on the NUS Black Students’ web site. Just email: bell@nus.org.uk

the legacy of the Windrush generation

black students campaign materials Some examples of how unions around the country are celebrating black history month

ents Union, SOAS University Stud

African, Caribbean Socie

2008 Tuesday 14th October Ground – Book Room e uar Sq / Vernon 6pm: JCR/ Brunei Suite

lack Brits The Painters Poetry - ‘B tion’ n Talented UK born Ghanaia

Art & Sound Exhibi-

powerful exhibition will be re-exhibiting her painter, Adelaide Damoah in the JCR. ‘Black Brits’ at SOAS

Thursday 16th October

2008 – Book Room

minutes s of the NiNilele:. Pro49 a The Kingancdoientm’king fessor Henry Gates. Jr Into Africnta the of s dom ry about the t was once a mighty

Is a powerful docume through the lands of wha es us on a whirlwind trip of Harvard University tak empire.

2008 Thursday 23rd October om Ro ok Bo – 6pm: V211

s lwind. The life of Marcu hir W e th in me r fo ok Lo Garvey. ntary Black leader! The docume

most controversial on the life of America’s anisation for the African The first documentary up an international org set to n aica Jam r a poo ed and forgotten man? ivat ly mot t lone a wha died als he reve why his early success? And Diaspora? What led to

2008 Tuesday 28th October SOAS Society present and m Ja try Poe AS The SOAS ACS, SO

– KLT 6.30d,/7danpm Word of Mersouinth ce and rap/ lyricism from the form of spoken wor and a

ure story tell era in the Caribbean Word of Mouth will feat the post-emancipation short documentary on a a, por dias the oss acr on Hip Hop. critical debate/ seminar

The Black Students Campaign produces a range of material to help inform and advise students as well as helping them to run successful campaigns on their campuses.

black film Black History Month witnesses the launch of a new chapter in Black Film From November to March 2009 London audiences can take advantage of an action packed cultural mixed programme of festivals and events celebrating Black Film talent. This will include screenings, exhibitions, masterclasses, workshops and education & training programmes together with dj nights delivered by four organisations who have benefited from invaluable financial support from Film London, UK Film Council and Skillset to help further market their events. The film extravaganza is kicked off with the BFM International Film Festival, the largest black world cinema event in the UK. Marking their 10th Anniversary, the festival will take place at venues across London which include, the BFI Southbank, the British Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Arts, Rich Mix and Bernie Grant Art’s Centre. Running from 7th November – 17th November 2008, the festival will open on Friday, 7th November, with a screening of Horace Ove’s ‘The Ghost of Hin King Estate’ followed by a Q&A and DJ night at BFI Southbank at 20:00hrs For more details log on to http://www.bfmmedia. com/festival Africa At The Pictures celebrates AFRICAN CINEMA with The African Film Festival. The festival consists of 50 films in six major arts’ venues cross the capital and includes a retrospective of Abderrahamane Sissako, one of Africa’s leading filmmakers (Bamako/Waiting for Happiness), a showcase of early South African cinema from the 1900s to the present day, Q&As with more than a dozen of the continents’ most exciting up-andcoming directors and established directors, the latest rich pickings from Nigeria’s booming home video “Nollywood” industry and, an animation programme for children. Just some of the highlights in this major celebration that runs from 28 Nov – 8 December 2008.

Africa at the Pictures and The Royal African Society, in association with London University’s SOAS, present a film programme which spans the continent: from Chad to Tanzania; Mauratania to South Africa. Some of London’s most exciting arts venues — BFI South Bank, Renoir, Barbican, ICA, Rich Mix and the October Gallery — will showcase films to excite, entertain and enlighten, together with workshops and masterclasses at Channel 4 and SOAS. For details of the full programme visit www. africaatthepictures.co.uk Supported by Miles Morland, Film London and UK Film Council Lottery, Commonwealth Foundation. Keeping the momentum going is the Screen Nation Film & TV Awards aka ‘the Black Bafta’s’ which takes place on Sun 7th Dec, at the Hilton London Metropole. Hit the red carpet and party with black stars of the movies and hit shows like Eastenders, The Bill, Holby, Hustle, Casualty and many more plus music stars like Estelle, Sway and Lemar. Limited After Party tickets with music by Choice FM’s DJ Abrantee. Vote for your favorites in November and get a chance to win a pair of golden ticket to attend! Log on to www.screennation.co.uk www.myspace. com/screennation Taking us into 2009 is the Images of Black Women Film Festival, an international film festival that celebrates African descent women filmmakers on screen and behind the screen . The festival will celebrate the organisation’s 5th year and runs from the 27th of March to the 29th of March at the Rich Mix London. As the first UK film festival dedicated to African descent women, it has proved to be an undeniable success. For more info: info@imagesofblackwomen.com

Supported by: Film London and UK Film Council Partners: Asapcomms and Rich Mix A bumper packed cultural programme with something for everyone. Don’t miss it!

model article for your student paper Why not contribute a piece of your college/university newspaper? This is a really effective way to get a strong black perspective out on the significance and relevance of Black History Month to the wider student population. Below is an example of a model article you can adapt for your student publication. October is Black History Month, but students and officers could be forgiven for wondering how that fits in with their union work and with their union priorities of fighting the lifting of the cap, making their union democracy work better and making commercial services relevant to their members. Well, it fits in very nicely. The month exists to highlight and celebrate Black contributions to British society and is an ideal chance for the union to get more involved with Black members and non-members. Some people may wonder why anyone needs a Black History Month, but the reality is that Black history is often a hidden history, and one that has been written out of mainstream British history. More accurately, it was never written in — for most people, school histories of the UK were strictly all-white affairs. Filling in these blank pages does a number of things. It helps to illustrate the positive contribution Black people have made to society as a whole. Clearly that’s good for everyone to understand, but it also helps build confidence in the Black community and provide positive role models for our Black students. Black history also combats myths about Black people in the UK — for instance, that ‘they’ only started arriving after WWII. Such inaccuracies and generalisations are bread and butter for the far right. For NUS, Black History Month is an awareness exercise — one that helps to destroy the arguments of the British National Party (BNP) and its ilk. Black people have always been at the forefront of human development, but too often we have been ignored. Black History Month is a valuable step in enabling us to benefit from all the goodness of our multicultural society. It is a time to reflect on the achievements and remember the good and the great who have challenged the norm and struggled to make the world a better place. If we want an inclusive society, then we need an inclusive history. Awareness of all our histories breaks down

barriers and leads to co-operation on all sides and progress for all. Black people have contributed to all aspects of British society. One example would be the NHS, where a high percentage of members of the workforce — from consultant surgeons to porters, nurses to cleaners — come from Black communities. Celebrating the achievement and contribution of Black communities in the UK comes from the idea of Dr Carter Godwin Woodson, a Black civil rights activist. He recognised that ‘those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration for change that comes with the teaching of history’. If we are to leave legacies like those of our predecessors, then we must be active and involved to make that change. Yet involvement in students’ union democratic structures is lower among Black students. Addressing this

issue in our students’ unions will ensure better representation for all. And with more involvement and representation will come higher levels of activism and satisfied students.

international peace and justice. As part of this wider agenda, Black History Month is an excellent means of engaging Black students on campus and raising awareness of the issues that affect them.

The NUS Black Students’ Campaign is working with <insert your institution>’s Black Students’ Officer to address issues of under-representation, the rise in racism, inequalities in education and

This is a time to reflect on the achievements and remember the good and the great who have challenged the norm and struggled to make the world a better place.

news release FAO: News desk FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Students get behind Black History Month

events to of town> is organising a series of e nam t ser <in in n paig Cam ts’ The Black Studen ish society. highlight Black contributions to Brit te Britain’s ports events designed to celebra sup S) (NU ts den Stu of on Uni al The Nation in its 20th year. multicultural heritage, which is now , history and be celebrating the achievements will > ion itut inst t ser <in at ts <insert Studen ing part in Black History Month. At tak by UK the in ple peo ck Bla of experiences t event information>. institution> students will be <inser Students’ Officer, said:: Bellavia Ribeiro-Addy, NUS Black continue hardships and discrimination which the on ect refl to ts den stu all s “NUS encourage iety. This October, whether on campus or in wider soc to be faced by Black students — ich strengthen Black History Month activities wh in g atin ticip par by y rsit dive te celebra ges between communities.” understanding and build new brid

ENDS Notes to editors: • For additional information please

contact < insert name and contact

details >

across communities experience, to share information ote knowledge of Black history and le in their peop k Blac of ss rene awa and e • Black History Month seeks to prom denc society, and to heighten the confi h Britis to ions ribut cont k Blac on positive cultural heritage. students of students in Europe. We represent the largest constituency of Black is n paig . Like the other Cam ents ’ stud ents k Stud Blac k ting Blac • The NUS and national level on all issues affec local a at ent, desc pective is fully Arab pers k and Blac African, Asian, Caribbean paign and work to ensure the k students self-organised and autonomous cam a Blac of are s we need ps, rse grou n dive ratio the t Libe mee to NUS and society. The campaign exists ns unio ’ ents stud of c fabri the integrated into l or cultural origin. thrive, no matter what their racia and ensures that all students can ation in the students in further and higher educ sents the interests of over million ed. repre ) sent (NUS repre ents and d Stud of hear n is Unio voice • The National ents, ensuring their g the lives and experiences of stud UK. NUS is committed to improvin

black history month links Links to additional websites and resources:

www.100greatblackbritons.com

www.movinghere.org.uk

Find out who has been voted into the list of 100 greatest Black Britons. An international list will be coming to this web site soon.

Chart the story of 200 years of migration to Britain.

www.bbc.co.uk

An archive crammed full of African, Asian, Caribbean and Arab history in Britain from 1500 to the present day.

The BBC web site has an interesting section covering Black history as well as links to regional sites and events happening in your area.

www.black-history-month.co.uk Learn all you need to know about Black History Month here – the history, the debates and resources that can be downloaded and used in branches.

www.blackhistorymonthuk.co.uk Sign up for a free copy of the Black History Month magazine, which is distributed to schools, colleges, community groups, libraries and universities across the UK.

www.blackukonline.com Get the full low down with information about exhibitions, shows and festivals throughout the country.

www.blink.org.uk The 1990 Trust is a Black human rights organisation set up to protect and pioneer the interest of Britain’s Black communities.

www.channel4.com This channel 4 link brings together a wealth of internet resources that record and celebrate the contributions of immigrant cultures to contemporary Britain.

www.direct.gov.uk This page provides links to what events local authorities are running. Check out what is happening in your authority. If details are not listed, contact the authority’s equality unit and ask.

www.equanomics.org.uk Equanomics is a new initiative of the 1990 Trust that works to achieve racial justice via economic equality.

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

www.naar.org.uk The National Assembly Against Racism is a broad coalition of trade unions, MPs, Black and Jewish organisations and students which campaigns against every manifestation of racism. NAAR supports victims of racist violence, opposes the rise of the BNP, defends asylum and immigration rights, opposes the rise in Islamophobia and campaigns to end institutional racism.

www.obv.org.uk Operation Black Vote — A non-party political campaign that seeks to redress the Black democratic deficit in the UK and provide a strong political voice for all BME communities.

www.respecttrust.org.uk The Respect Trust is a national charity which promotes race equality and a postitive agenda in defence of multiculturalism.

www.uaf.org.uk Unite Against Fascism is a national campaign against fascist organisations. It works to alert British society to the rising threat of the extreme right, in particular the British National Party (BNP), gaining an electoral foothold in this country.