Black History Month happens in the same month each year for both the UK and the USA. However, it is marked in different months in each country. It is also celebrated in other countries around the world, such as Canada, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands. While it began as just a week, for the past four decades a whole month has been officially designated to celebrate black history. So when does it take place this year?
When is Black History Month 2022?
In the US and Canada, Black History Month is held in a different month than it is in the UK and the rest of Europe.
Black History Month in the US is marked every February, meaning it officially started over there yesterday on February 1 and will finish on February 28.
Since 1976 every American president has declared February as Black History Month, making this the 46th Black History Month in the USA.
In the UK the designated Black History Month is October, meaning it will begin on October 1 and finish on October 31.
Why do we celebrate Black History Month?
Black History Month is an important time to reflect on the contributions of black citizens to culture and society and the history of their struggle for acceptance and recognition.
Every year Black History Month in the US is given a theme, and for 2022 the theme is Black Health and Wellness.
This theme focuses not only on the achievements of black medical practitioners, but also looks at other forms of healthcare such as doulas, midwives and herbalists.
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Abraham Lincoln was the the 16th American president who fought to end slavery in the United States.
Frederick Douglass was a black abolitionist who famously wrote and spoke out about ending slavery.
In 1976 it was recognised as a month-long celebration by President Gerald Ford.
Today Black History Month is also marked in Canada, the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and Germany.
In the UK and Europe Black History Month is celebrated in October rather than February.
Black History Month in the UK was first observed in 1987.
