Celebrating Black History Month 2020

Posted 01.10.20. Last updated 21.10.20.

Black History Month has been celebrated in the UK, every October, since 1987. The many ways in which Black people have shaped life in this country over generations is hugely underrepresented in the history books and in education. This balance which needs to be reflected upon- and shifted. 

Keep learning

Whilst October is a great time to learn about the wider subject of Black history, it’s crucial for us to teach our kids that it’s not just about one month of the year. Exploring Black heritage, culture, arts and history should be a year-round activity.  Learning about the experiences and contributions of all people, especially those who are less represented in the history books, is the only way that we can become an inclusive society. Check out our Founder’s note on talking about racism with your kids here for more thoughts.

Online events and resources

While we won’t be able to celebrate together this year, there are many valuable online resources and fantastic events already organised! Check out some of them below:

• Kick off Black History Month 2020 with Banjo HQ favourite Baroness Floella Benjamin’s excellent story Coming to England  read by Professor David Olusoga on CBeebies Bedtime Stories tonight (6.50pm, CBeebies channel, 01.10.20).

• BBC Newsround is a good resource for kids about the importance of Black British history.

• Waterstones has a brilliant list of recommended books for all ages. Some of our favourites for the little ones include Vashti Harrison’s Little Leaders collection. Furthermore, The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education also provides a fantastic list of books for children. 

• Why not download this excellent timeline of the Black history of Britain? 

• Families with children aged 7+ can attend the Museum of London’s  informative series of bitesize digital talks.

• Grown-ups can check out the BBC’s great selection of interviews and documentaries which celebrate the UK’s Caribbean and African heritage here. 

• Send a short video, piece of writing or drawing into Blue Peter, telling them what you’ve done to celebrate Black History Month and be in with a chance of featuring on the show!

• For kids aged 8+, check out this series of online workshops run by Black History Studies.

• Check out a whole bunch of useful Black History Month printables and worksheets from The Activity Village.

• Banjo loves these short films of family conversations about Black History Month over on CBeebies.

• For the grown-ups: Meet four young people in this excellent Guardian article who are passionate about the need to change how Black history is taught. 

• Visit www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk for more and keep an eye on this blog as we will be adding new resources throughout October!

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