February the first marks the start of Black History Month in several countries including the USA, Canada, and Germany.
Across the Black diaspora, February is recognised as Black History Month in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Germany.
Black History Month originated from the United States, created by historian Carter G. Woodson to celebrate and highlight the contributions of Black Americans in U.S. history while combating anti-Black racism in the US. It began as Black History Week in February 1926 and was later expanded by Black educators at Kent State University to a month long event in 1970. Since 1976, every US president has designated February as Black History Month.
In the United States, Woodson's organisation, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), designates a theme each year. This year's theme is 'African Americans and Labour,' which explores the profound ways in which all types of work - free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the experiences, history, and culture of Black people.
The Black History Month initiative has been adopted by other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, as a means of tackling anti-Black racism and educating their populations about the significant contributions of Black people to each country's history and culture.
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In Canada, their theme for Black History Month 2025 is 'Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.' This theme acknowledges the diversity of Black Canadians, the importance of Black leadership and the legacy being built for future generations.
Throughout February, join us in learning about the Black Americans who have contributed to the lives and culture of the United Kingdom. For example, Ira Alridge, Britain’s first Black Shakespearean actor, jazz singer Adelaide Hall, a household name in 1930s and 1940s Britain who supported the British war effort, and Amanda Aldridge, a British opera singer and prolific composer of romantic 'parlour music.'
Or explore our features on James Baldwin, Mama Cox, and find out about the 2WW Black American army troops in our articles: The Six Triple Eight movie celebrates the forgotten African American female army unit and African American GIs in the UK during 2WW - crossing the colour bar. You can also check out our media recommendations for the month.
Remember, you can explore Black British History beyond just one month. We're committed to helping guide you on your journey of learning about UK Black History throughout the entire year.
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