Find out how vital South London is to the creation of Black History Month

Now that Wandworth is back to marking Black History Month (BHM) in October, if you’ve ever wondered how Black History Month was introduced into Britain, then you can hear at ‘The History Of Black History Month In Britain’ presentation at Battersea Library tomorrow.

The presenter, history consultant Kwaku, also promises to reveal a little-known fact about a Wandsworth connection with the birth of BHM.

The history consultant has conducted extensive research, reading the official documents and interviewing some of the people who helped shepherd BHM’s journey into Britain.

These include former Greater London Council leader Ken Livingstone, former Lambeth Council leader Linda Bellos, former Inner London Education Authority deputy leader Bernard Wiltshire, Lord Paul Boateng, and policy advisers Ansel Wong and Akyaaba Addai Sebo.

“I’m glad Wandsworth has gone back to using Black History Month in its October programming, though I prefer African History Month or Season, which will be explained in the presentation,” said Kwaku. “After the flak the council and library service got for abandoning Black History Month, I’m sure those who run Wandworth services will be interested to know that the borough has a unique connection to the birth of BHM in Britain.”

Last year, Kwaku organised the ‘Commemorating African Jubilee Year 1987-88 @ 30’ event at City Hall, which speaks to the background for Wednesday’s presentation. To attend this free event, please phone Battersea Library on 020 7223 2334.