Black History, Empire and Commonwealth

By: Matilda Hardman

What is Black History Month and how can I take part?

Black History Month is an annual celebration which originated in the United States and is also known as African-American History Month. It honours Black people’s struggles and contributions to the country which might not have been recognised the rest of the year. So, many people learn and celebrate Black History Month in the US but how is Black History portrayed in Britain? This Black History Month, it is important for us all to remember those who gave their lives so people of all races and diversities could live as equals, not only in America, but also in the UK.

We’ve come a long way in the past century but how did the British empire ever end and what has Britain’s journey for equality involved?

Over centuries, Britain had either invaded or colonised many parts of the world. This was called the British Empire. It might have been good for Britain’s power and prestige but it was humiliating and damaging for so many people to be ruled by another country. Worst of all, a lot of them were slaves until Britain abolished slavery in 1833.

1945 marked a huge turning point in the decline of the British Empire. The Second World War had ended, leaving Britain weaker than before with fewer food reserves and fewer workers. Thousands of soldiers had not returned, leaving a gap in the workforce which Britain was rapidly trying to patch up to get the nation back on its feet. Many British colonies also contributed resources and troops to the war effort resulting in a more independent spirit and leading to a steady decrease in the British empire. In 1947, the empire officially came to an end after India - the biggest and most important colony of the empire became an independent country. After that, the empire became known as the Commonwealth. It still included many colonies in Africa and the Caribbean where the black majority were still being ruled by a white minority. That had to change. Over time, all the colonies became fully independent countries. Once they were independent, all countries could decide if they still wanted to be a part of the Commonwealth. Most chose to do so. Since then it has been a club with the Queen as the symbolic head. But she has no power. The members can do and say what they like. Some Commonwealth countries have also chosen to keep the monarch as their head of state. It is why Queen Elizabeth II is still monarch of 15 countries as well as the UK.

What has the Commonwealth done and why did it have such a big appeal?

Since its establishment in 1949, the Commonwealth has conducted vital work to support its members. The Commonwealth has been working to protect our natural environment, encouraging use of sustainable resources through their new scheme, the Renewable Energy Target, to develop the renewable energy industry in Australia. The Commonwealth has also boosted trade and economic standards within the Commonwealth club as well as promoting democracy and encouraging gender equality. The Commonwealth Foundation participates in democracy development and hosts events for people of all interests. There are many competitions to get involved in such as the Commonwealth Essay Prize, which is the oldest essay prize in the world.

Did you know?...

The Commonwealth has 54 members and includes nearly a third of the world’s population. They range from India (with more than a billion people) to the tiny Pacific nation of Tuvalu (which has 10000 people). But when they get together they all speak the same language English!