Black History Month
Black History Month began in North America in the early 1900s and has grown to become an annual celebration of cultural identity, both here in the UK, and on a larger worldwide stage.
In the past, black history has often been marginalised and ignored by mainstream history. The study of this hidden past has developed into a large and at times controversial field in America, where it is known as black or African world studies.
The area sparks much debate, as it tries to bring to wider attention evidence and research which at times challenges the mainstream views of history. For instance, some African world studies researchers believe that Stonehenge was built by people of African descent and that this has been overlooked by mainstream history.
While the event celebrates black history and the contributions of black people worldwide, it is not exclusive. There have been events held under the Black History Month banner by the Irish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian communities.
In the UK, it began in the mid 1980s as way of opening black teenagers' eyes to their own rich cultural heritage, which was often not represented in mainstream history. It has developed to become a celebration of black history, and has a range of entertaining, engaging and thought-provoking events for everyone.
Wales has one of the UK's oldest multi-ethnic communities in Cardiff, in the area of Tiger Bay.
