19th OCTOBER 2015 - BLACK HISTORY MONTH CANCELLED
After twenty eight years of struggle to establish an identity,
presence and acceptance I was sort of surprised to learn that Black History Month
doesn’t happen in Wandsworth. This was while attending an event – 2000 years of
British black music (delivered by Kwaku). It was held at Battersea Library
which is run by Better/Greenwich Leisure Limited.
Wandsworth has Diversity month instead to “reflect
....all individuals and cultural groups within our borough” The librarian let
slip the connection to funding, or the lack of funding or the chance to save money.
So you can wipe out the struggles, achievements and
existence of a whole race by renaming their day. After fifty years in the U.K.
and a thirty year career contributing to the life of the NHS my mother’s (and that
of many, many others) recognition is that.
Why am I complaining?
I should listen to David Cameron
and “move on” (October 2015).
Black History Month has been celebrating the
contributions and history of black communities and individuals since 1987.
I accept the realities of funding in our supposed times
of austerity. Will Holocaust Memorial Day in January, LGBT History Month in
February and International Women’s Day in March be cancelled? Or renamed?
Let’s hold our breaths and see what happens once the seasonal
light displays come down (formally known as Xmas lights).
It is easy to talk with cultural groups about what they
want celebrated and how.
How was the black community involved in this decision?
Looking forward to hearing the views of the Council Leader, local press and others.