YWCA Lancaster’s Post

Black Archives South is a comprehensive photo, film, audio and resource library of Black people in South of England: freely available for all including, young people, students, academics, and enthusiasts in Southampton and beyond. The project will create a permanent and impactful repository of information, materials, and artefacts that are dedicated to telling the history of Black people with regards to the city of Southampton covering, remarkably, at least five hundred years. By raising awareness, appreciation and celebration of the long-term presence and immense contribution of Black residents and visitors to the south of England, we educate contemporary society about the origins, heritage, cultures, professions and impacts of the local Black community. We also aim to bring clarity and truth to an often obscured, inaccurate or derogatory historical narrative. 👉 Ways you can help Share your love for Black British History and support Black Archives South by becoming a contributor. Help us continue the urgent work of collecting, protecting, and promoting Black British History to inspire and strength society. https://bit.ly/49qFHDp

The 2024 theme for Black History Month this February is: "African Americans and the Arts" spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, cultural movements, and more. The Smithsonian Institution has a wide-range of events happening, arts resources, and even podcasts and virtual exhibits. One vitual exhibit is called Making a Way Out of No Way and it asks: How do you make a way out of no way? For generations, African Americans worked collectively to survive and thrive in the midst of racial oppression. Through education, religious institutions, businesses, the press, and organizations, Black men and women created ways to serve and strengthen their communities. They established networks of mutual support, cultivated leadership, and improved social and economic opportunities. They also developed a tradition of activism that paved the way for broader social change. Take a closer look at this exhibit: https://lnkd.in/eTuSVYFz All month long, The Smithsonian showcases new exhibitions with impact from Black Americans on visual arts, music, culture.

Today is Juneteenth, a recognition and celebration of the freedom of enslaved Black Americans. Take time today to reflect on this important day in history, our nation's progress and the work that must be done to ensure racial justice and equity. To learn more about Juneteenth, visit the online resources from Purdue University at https://bit.ly/3p4nucp.

We celebrate Black History Month by exploring the relationship between Black history and cannabis, touching on cultural ties, ongoing racial injustices, and the successes of Black leaders in the industry. https://lnkd.in/eYpsk5xM

IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY WITH YOUR ORGANISATION'S PLANS FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH THIS IS FOR YOU! The 'Soca Sign' did the rounds and people loved it. So many people commented on the way we broke down one small part of carnival's origins and history but now we are here to bring even more to the table! This 3-part seminar series is a reboot and evolution of something we did a few years ago. Last time we had 50 teachers go through the education series for classrooms and about 35 people join to bring the good stuff to their organisations. 'Using Black British History to Transform your organisation's approach to EDI' is an opportunity to bring meaning, application and LEGACY to Black History month this year. The 3 sessions will cover: --> The Windrush Generation’s Influence and Impact on the UK’s Economic Development. --> How the Notting Hill Carnival became one of Europe’s greatest examples of resistance and activism. --> Black faces in political places: The journey for the UK’s first black MPs to get elected. We are only going to work with 5-7 organisations for this and sessions can be delivered in-person and online so please register on the form below and we will be in touch. https://lnkd.in/egUY3fyd

I hosted an event years ago called “The Neglected 337” which was a conversation about Black history being relegated to Black History Month. I am so proud of the efforts that contributed to the establishment of this celebratory month and others like it. However, I don’t believe the intent was to restrict the celebration and acknowledgment of the many facets of black history and culture to a single month- not any other cultural heritage observance. Similarly, the integration of historical education in diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and belonging initiatives was not so folks can pass a pop quiz about black historical facts nor to exploit the pain and suffering of black people for seasonal sympathetic experiences for folks. The true wealth of these celebrations is found in the way it broadens and expands what we see, believe, envision and create for black people, and thus our world. It is context to help shape and encourage new habits and behaviors to improve and enhance our society. We need more than a month to appropriately celebrate our history and culture. Black history and culture is world history and culture. The quality of our acknowledgment and appreciation of culture and heritage is the measure of the quality of our society.

Today is the first day of Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time to honor their legacy in U.S. history and society. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Since then, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The theme for 2024, “African Americans and the Arts,” explores the influence Black Americans have had in the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, film, music, and more. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gQcPbja

Juneteenth is a day to honor the history of Black Americans and celebrate Black joy, while also acknowledging the ongoing fight for justice and equity. Dive into these 11 books that celebrate the Black experience, in all its diversity and intersections. https://hubs.li/Q02zV0wX0

February is Black History Month and the theme for 2024 is African Americans and the Arts. From the Association for the Study of African American Life and History: "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. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans." This February, there will be a series of online and in-person events planned to celebrate and share Black wellness, art, literature, music, and community at CRC and across the Los Rios colleges. https://bit.ly/3u6paoV

As #blackhistorymonth2024 comes to a close, ACS will continue to make every month an opportunity to embrace and honor Black history and culture. Here are some ways you can make a positive impact year-round: ✅ Learn Something New: Read or watch about Black history and culture. ✅ Shop and Support Locally: Back Black-owned businesses when you can. ✅ Enjoy Diverse Media: Tune into movies, shows, and music by Black creators. ✅ Talk Openly: Have real conversations about race, history, and culture. ✅ Join Local Events: Be part of community celebrations and happenings. ✅ Give Back: Help out with groups pushing for fairness and justice. ✅ Cheer for Success: Share stories of Black people doing awesome things. ✅ Mix It Up in School: Support teaching that includes everyone's stories. ✅ Think and Do: Take a minute to reflect, and then do something to make things fairer.