Black History Month – A Time to Learn and Celebrate
By Renata Usai
Hello, and welcome to October! We all know that October means Halloween, but not everyone knows that in the UK and Ireland this month we celebrate Black History Month. Have you heard about it? Don’t worry if you haven’t – we’re here to help!
In today’s post we’ll explore:
- A brief history of Black History Month
- Some useful English words and phrases that will help you talk about it
- Martin Luther King’s famous speech “I Have a Dream”
- And of course, ways to learn more and explore Black History Month in the UK You’re still here? Great, let’s get
A Brief History of Black History Month
Black History Month first originated in the United States in the 1970s, but in reality, it goes way back to the early 1900s. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-trained historian, believed that African American history was being overlooked and misinterpreted.
In February 1926, he founded “Negro History Week” through the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now ASALH). This week was chosen to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two important figures who contributed to end slavery.
Unfortunately, Woodson never got to experience Black History Month as it is known today, but he is still remembered as the father of Black history for his dedication and vision.
The week continued to gain traction, especially during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. In 1976, fifty years after the first celebration, it was officially expanded to a full month and the name changed from Negro History to Black History.
In the UK, we only started celebrating Black History Month in 1987, the year that coincides with the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean.
Useful English Vocabulary for the Topic
As you now know this month we are celebrating Black History month here in the UK. Here are some useful words and phrasal verbs that you can use to share your knowledge and opinions about it:
| Word | Definition |
| Heritage | The traditions, history, and culture that come from a group of people or a country. |
| Equality | When everyone is treated the same and has the same rights. |
| Civil Rights | The basic rights that all people should have, like freedom and equal treatment. |
| Activist | A person who works to make social or political changes. |
| Discrimination | Unfair treatment of people because of their race, gender, religion, or other reasons. |
| Inspiration | Something or someone that gives you ideas or makes you want to do something good. |
| Contribution | Something a person does to help or improve a group, place, or situation. |
| Community | A group of people who live in the same area or have something in common. |
| Culture | The way of life, including music, food, language, and traditions, of a group of people. |
| Representation | When people from different backgrounds are shown or included in media, politics, or other areas. |
| Empowerment | Giving people the power and confidence to control their own lives and make positive changes. |
| Legacy | Something valuable that is passed from one generation to the next. |
| Role Model | A person who others look up to and want to be like. |
| Diversity | Having many different kinds of people, cultures, or ideas in one group. |
Useful Phrasal Verbs for Black History Month
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Look up to | To admire or respect someone. | Many people look up to civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. |
|
Speak out |
To say something publicly, especially to protest or support a cause. | During Black History Month, we learn about people who spoke out against racism. |
| Stand up for | To defend or support something you believe in. | Activists stood up for equal rights and justice. |
| Learn about | To get knowledge or information about something. | Students will learn about Black British history this October. |
| Take part in | To join or participate in an event or activity. | Our students will take part in special events for Black History Month. |
| Find out | To discover or learn something new. | Let’s find out more about influential Black British figures. |
| Look back on | To remember and reflect on the past. | Black History Month is a time to look back on important moments in history. |
| Bring up | To start talking about a subject. | The teacher brought up the topic of civil rights in class. |
| Come together | To unite or join for a common purpose. | Communities come together to celebrate diversity. |
| Pass down | To give traditions, stories, or knowledge from one generation to the next. | Cultural stories are passed down through families. |
Did you already know some of these words?
“I Have a Dream” – Words That Changed the World
“I have a dream.” Does this ring a bell? These words are from one of the most famous speeches in history.
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. stood in front of thousands of people in Washington DC and spoke about a world where everyone is treated equally—no matter the colour of their skin.
This speech didn’t just change America—it inspired people around the world and gave strength to equality movements and reminded us all that freedom and justice are rights for everyone.
Here are some simple but powerful lines from the speech: “I have a dream…”
“All men are created equal.” “Let freedom ring…”
These words are easy to remember, but their meaning is deep. Now it’s your turn: What is your dream for a better world?
If you want to learn more…
There are many easy ways to learn more about Black history and culture in the UK—especially this month!
Visit local museums or libraries in London – many have exhibitions for Black History Month
Check out easy-read articles or podcasts about civil rights, culture, and history Use websites like BBC Bitesize or other UK education sites to learn more
And don’t stop there—explore Black British history, too:
- The Windrush Generation
- The Notting Hill Carnival
- Influential Black Britons in politics, sports, music, and more
English reads if you want to learn more – learning language through real-life topics makes it more meaningful (and fun)! These are just a few books you can try if you want to learn a bit more on Black History:
| Level | Book | Author | Type |
| A2 | Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? | Bonnie Bader | Biography (simplified) |
| B1 | Hidden Figures (Young Readers’ Edition) | Margot Lee Shetterly | Biography / STEM history |
| B2 | The Hate U Give | Angie Thomas | Fiction (modern, social issues) |
| C1 | Between the World and Me | Ta-Nehisi Coates | Memoir / Essay |
| C2 | The Autobiography of Malcolm X | Malcolm X & Alex Haley | Autobiography / History |
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