What is the theme of Black History Month UK 2020?

2020 is the year the world finally started talking about race and anti-black racism. The brutal murder of George Floyd in the United States by police generated shock waves across the globe and lead to thousands of people taking to the streets to demand an end to racism.

Here in the UK, young activists took to the streets to demand an end to racial inequality in education, health and employment. Sparking important conversations over Britain’s colonial past and its role in the Atlantic Slave Trade within government, business and the media.

This October we are going to take a look back at the black British activists of the 1960s and 1980s who used ‘non-violent civil disobedience’ to help achieve racial equality in the UK. Shining a light on the civil rights activists behind the Bristol Bus Boycott^[1] and the Lewisham Mums against SUS Laws^[2] who paved the way for today’s young black British activists.

How will it be commemorated it in 2020?

Black History Month is a great opportunity for people from all backgrounds to educate themselves on black British history and the often-overlooked people who have made a difference to the country.

Please check your local authority website for news on any exhibitions or events they are holding in commemoration of Black History Month UK. Or the websites of your local museum or other local cultural institutions for any special events they may be running to mark the occasion.

Alternatively, visit the www.ibhm-uk.org^[3] website for ideas on how to celebrate UK’s Black History Month at home with your friends and family.

Brands supporting Black History Month this year include The Black Farmer^[4], Bumble^[5], Gap UK, Instagram^[6], Royal Mail and Sainsburys plc^[7].

TV and satellite channels supporting Black History Month this year include BBC, Sky, Channel Four, ITV, Britbox, BT Sport, NHS and Together TV.

To mark Black History Month and its continued commitment to giving diverse voices a platform in the UK, Spotify is shining a spotlight on the black artists and talent who have made a difference in a very challenging 2020.