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DotHouse proudly celebrates Black History Month (BHM)! BHM is every February and celebrates the achievements and history of African Americans. BHM was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. The 2024 theme centralizes on "African Americans and the Arts" spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more. Social justice has historically developed visual and literary arts to capture the spirit and platforms of resistance, and to disseminate those messages to audiences outside of mainstream methods. African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. We encourage everyone to learn more about BHM by engaging in events throughout our communities. Link: https://nmaahc.si.edu/ #BlackHistoryMonth

Whilst we celebrate and use philosophically rich texts by black authors throughout the year as a stimulus for enquiry, during this month we will highlight authors and their stories which may expand your repertoire. This year’s Black History Month theme is Reclaiming Narratives and according to the BHM UK Magazine it ‘marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. By emphasising this theme, we shine a brighter light on stories, allegories, and histories that underscore our commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage.’ One of these stories that must be told belongs to Henrietta Lacks. We have added a free resource on P4C.com entitled ‘Henrietta Lacks and medical sampling’ which you can find here: https://buff.ly/4eIHvKb This resource is one of a series developed as part of the SAPERE Thinking Together in Science and RE Project. The three year project was funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation as part of Big Questions in Classrooms (BQiC).

🌟 Representation is crucial - Black History Month 2024🌟 It's that time of the year again - October signals Black History Month in the UK. Having nearly always been the "only one" and seeing very few other black people in a variety of spaces I understand the importance of REPRESENTATION. As the saying goes "If you can see it, YOU can be it!" However, we need to see more role models/heroes/sheroes other than the typical sports star, musician etc. I am not saying do not promote them but let people see that others are who breaking barriers and making a significant difference who are not in the spotlight. Such as the Black vet Dr Bolu Eso who was one of the leading vets on last year's Channel 4 series Fur Babies. I was in awe seeing a Black Vet on the television because as an animal lover, he was the first ever in the UK to be on TV! He also has a great Instagram account! Last week I was watching a reality series about a US Black family of Vets who run a successful veterinary practice. In the UK this doesn't exist. More and more Black people in the UK are pet owners. Then there is Professor Issac Manyonda, who is a consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and doing some great work on Menopause (recently interviewed for the Menopause Masterclass series). Dr Nneka Nwokolo,  NHS Consultant Sexual Health Physician, is an expert in women's sexual and reproductive health, contraception, and menopause. The three mentioned are doing excellent work, undertake a Google search will uncover many more Black people. Let's open our minds and showcase those individuals who are not in the spotlight but are making huge contributions to the UK. This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Reclaiming Narratives.” It’s about taking control of our stories and honouring our heroes while challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and globally. #ReclaimingNarratives #BlackHistoryMonth2024

Reflecting on this year's BHM theme of 'Reclaiming Narratives' makes me think about the origins and foundations of Carnival. Carnival IS the manifestation of reclaiming our narrative. Telling our stories, with our voices, Carnival celebrates our resistance, our rebellion and the sheer strength of the human spirit to survive. I also find myself reflecting on leadership, within this context. What are those experiences of leadership, particularly post-Black Lives Matter? Watch this space, I can feel a blog post coming on! Happy Monday, folks.

This year’s Black History Month theme, Reclaiming Narratives, marks a powerful shift in how we view and celebrate Black history and culture. It’s about challenging the narratives that have historically marginalised Black achievements and instead highlighting stories of resilience, success, and empowerment.   This theme is more than just about reflecting on the past—it’s a movement to correct the inaccuracies, reclaim stolen legacies, and ensure that Black voices are heard and honoured.   Throughout this piece, we delve into personal stories from influential figures who have reclaimed their own narratives in the public eye.   From Ncuti Gatwa, the first Black actor to take on the iconic role of Doctor Who, to Thandiwe Newton, reclaiming her Zimbabwean heritage by embracing her true name, these stories show the power of owning one’s identity. Tennis champion Naomi Osaka and Romeo & Juliet actress Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, also share their journeys of reclaiming space in industries that often fail to recognise the importance of representation.   Reclaiming Narratives isn’t just a theme for this month—it’s a call to action, encouraging us all to honour, educate, and empower ourselves and others by taking back control of the stories that define Black history.   Read the full article using the link in the comments   #RaceEqualityMatters #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #ReclaimingNarratives

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is crucial to reflect not only on the achievements and resilience of the Black community but also on the historical injustices that have shaped the United States and Maine. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need for land acknowledgments, recognizing the Indigenous peoples on whose land we stand. It is equally important to extend these acknowledgments to encompass the labor that built this nation, often extracted from enslaved African people. On the first day of Black History Month, 2024, we are exploring the significance of including labor acknowledgments alongside land acknowledgments and sharing some best practices to ensure a respectful and inclusive approach. https://lnkd.in/epnnkUE3

Why It Matters:

This month, we celebrate Black history, contributions, and achievements. While we honour these legacies, it's crucial to remember why Black history must be highlighted. For centuries, Black stories were erased, misrepresented, or silenced. That’s why this year’s Black History Month theme, ‘Reclaiming Narratives,’ holds so much significance. By honouring silenced voices and amplifying truth, we can challenge the misconceptions and reclaim the powerful narratives that have shaped our world. This month and every month, we commit to reclaiming our narratives from hate, violence and oppression. Let’s honour Black history by shaping a future where Black voices are no longer silenced. Join us in celebrating, learning, and uplifting the stories that need to be heard. #AnthonyWalkerFoundation #BlackHistoryMonth #ReclaimingNarratives #AntiRacism #AmplifyTruth #HonorBlackVoices

It's Black History Month (BHM) this month! A chance to recognise, celebrate and share the achievements and many contributions that black people from around the world have given to the world, including in music, sport, healthcare and more. A chance to celebrate trailblazers who have influenced many parts of society today, as well as a time to reflect and raise awareness of black history and heritage which is often not recognised or represented. This year’s theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. It is more than just revisiting history, but an invitation to: Honour heroes: Challenge the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and globally. Embrace stories: Take control of stories, honour heroes, and shine a light on the diverse and profound impact of Black individuals across various fields. Empower and Educate: Embracing, educating, and empowering one another through the stories that shape our collective identity. #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM

Let’s celebrate Black History Month! To all our team members and connections, take time to honor the achievements, culture, and history that might be otherwise overlooked in mainstream narratives. Here are some ways to take part in the celebration! 1. Educational Activities: Attend lectures, workshops, or panel discussions about black history and contemporary issues. 2. Cultural Exposure: Explore and support black art, music, literature, and film by visiting museums and galleries. 3. Community Engagement: Participate in community events or volunteer organizations that support Black communities. 4. Reflective Practices: Use this time to learn more about black history, the civil rights movement, and influential figures.