Michael Jackson: You Rock My World

Michael Jackson was a talent that shook the world and shaped the face of music in every corner of the globe. Ex-Steel Pulse member and black music historian, Mykaell Riley, pays tribute to MJ, exploring his wide-reaching legacy and his influence on Black British music of today.

TV 4 ALL

Oona King has recently been appointed Head of Diversity at Channel 4. Her top priority is to address diversity in television broadcasting in its widest sense and to raise the profile of the CDN (Cultural Diversity Network).

I LOVE TO READ

Join Kano, T2 and Addictive are all crazy about books! The Star Reads campaign aims to inspire young people, particularly those from inner-city and minority ethnic backgrounds, to read more.

Good Food for the Whole Village

Many of our prison population have embraced Black History Month as a time of inspiration and learning. Leon Dundas, Deputy Chaplaincy Manager at HMP Lowdham Grange tells how Black History Month uplifts and elightens those he works with, or as he puts it: “provides good food for whole village.“

All call for change

Bellavia Ribeiro, Black Student’s Officer for the NUS, urges us to unite by looking back and learning from our downfalls and victories in history

Green in the woods

Judy Ling Wong promotes Multicultural Heritage and Environmental Participation through the Black Environment Network (BEN). Here she urges us all to protect our neighbourhoods and make the most of our local green spaces and in doing so connect to our collective cultural heritage.

All Action Hero

Ade was never was never one to sit and watch the grass grow. Not only has he forged a successful career as a TV presenter, he is also a keen sportsman, competing at Olympic level, a try-anything-once traveller and a sought-after motivational speaker.

K Factor

Stephen K Amos is a new force in comedy. Charming and original, Stephen’s material challenges and laughs in the face of all the old stereotypes. A gifted actor, he has also won praise for his more serious acting roles. BHM finds out what makes the funnyman tick…..

BLACK IN FASHION

Students at the Southampton Solent University Styling programme get creative and pay tribute to their Black History Month heroes.

“The resulting collections included outfits combining, amongst other things, the looks of Eartha Kitt and Malcolm X, Erykah Badu and Flavor Flav and M.C. Hammer and the Black Panthers.”

BRAIDED BEAUTY

Charlotte Mensah Creative Director and proprietor of Hair Lounge praises the benefits of natural beauty

Braided extensions are a beauty idea which originated in Ancient Africa where Nubians and Egyptian women wore many styles of wigs made from natural hair, plant fibres and wool. These intricately designed head coverings protected the scalp from the sun’s rays and were worn for social festivals and ceremonial rituals. Ancient warrior Queens such as Hatshepsut, Cleopatra and the Queen of Sheba wore military wigs that were braided short and helmet- like. African women often shaved their natural hair close and wore wigs for religious, social and hygienic reasons.

A sense of PRIDE

“The month is an opportunity for ALL of us to learn more about the histories of ALL black people. If we leave out any part, it’s not a true or complete history.” So says Andrew Prince, as he leads the way in breaking down misconceptions and prejudices surrounding the LGBT community.

Our hidden history month

Why should we celebrate Black History Month? Chukwudum Ikeazor from the Metropolitan Police Diversity Directorate explains the “Whys” and the “Ifs” behind Black History Month.