Monday 19 October 2015

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CANCELLED



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.