Black History Month is a time for us to collectively acknowledge, appreciate, and celebrate Black history and its significance in British history. This guide will help you start conversations with the children in your care and, as a family, learn more about the Black Scots who've contributed to shaping Scotland into the country it is today.
Why Do We Celebrate Black History Month?
We celebrate Black History Month to recognise the significant contributions that Black people have made and continue to make to society. From politics and activism to science, music and literature, the UK has been shaped by diversity, and this is something to celebrate.
Black History is British History. While schools do touch on Black British history, it is often limited and watered down. A survey completed by Bloomsbury in October 2023 also found that 75% of British adults admitted to knowing very little about UK Black History, with over half being unable to name a Black British historical figure. Therefore, Black History Month is crucial for helping us learn about our complete history, which includes Black stories and perspectives.
When did Black History Month Start?
Black History Month began in America as Black History Week in 1926. The founder, Carter G. Woodson, wanted to ensure that recorded and taught history included the vital contributions of African Americans. He also campaigned for the teaching of Black History in schools. Black History Week took place every February during the same week as the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass because both were instrumental in the fight to end slavery in America. Black History Week became Black History Month in 1976.
In 1987, Akyaaba Addai-Sebo introduced Black History Month to the UK. During an interview, he said, "I was stirred up... by the identity crisis that Black children faced". Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, along with other community activists, organised the first Black History Month in response to this issue and to celebrate Black heritage. It has since grown and become the Black History Month celebrated today.
Why FCA Scotland celebrates Black History Month
At FCA Scotland, we encourage people of all cultural backgrounds to celebrate Black History Month. Communicating with your foster child about different ethnicities and cultures can help us challenge stereotypes and prevent prejudice. It also helps build self-esteem in children of Black heritage and aids their sense of identity and belonging. We want children to live without fear of discrimination and have opportunities to thrive.
How to celebrate Black History Month
This year, the theme for Black History Month is Reclaiming Narratives. Much of our history has been written from the perspective of white men, leading to the misrepresentation or complete exclusion of Black contributions. Reclaiming Narratives is about ensuring that Black history is told both accurately and from a Black perspective. Here are some ideas to help you explore this theme.
Read together
Age-appropriate stories can help children understand complex issues, spark conversations and elicit empathy. Why not pick a selection of fiction and non-fiction books and read them with the child in your care throughout the month? If your child is older, you could select some books together, and once you've both read them, have a book club-style evening, discussing what you've learned or taken away from reading the books. Below are some books you could select based on your child's age.
- Coming to England by Baroness Floella Benjamin - Told through the eyes of ten-year-old Floella Benjamin, this beautiful true story provides a window into what it was like to be part of the Windrush generation. This picture book is suitable for children aged three to six. Floella Benjamin has also released a more in-depth version of her story for readers aged nine and up.
- The Black Curriculum Legacies: Black British Pioneers by Lania Narjee - This book highlights and celebrates Black historical and present-day figures who've achieved incredible things. From art, STEM and sports to politics and social justice, this book will help you start conversations with the children in your care about Black history. Suitable for children aged eight plus.
- My Skin, Your Skin: Let's talk about race, racism and empowerment by Laura Henry-Allain - this book celebrates diversity and is a great tool that will aid discussions with your foster child about racism. Suitable for children aged three to seven.
- Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman - If you foster teenagers, this thought-provoking dystopian fiction, which portrays a society divided by racism, will inspire meaningful discussions about Black history.
Learn about Influential Black Scots
Another way to start conversations with the child in your care about Black History Month is to teach them about Influential Black Scots, such as:
- Maud Sulter – who was an award-winning Glaswegian-Ghanaian writer and artist who often used her work to recount her experience of growing up in Scotland as a Black child.
- John Edmonstone - born into slavery in 1793, he became a free man and later taught taxidermy to Charles Darwin, which contributed to the development of Darwin's theory of evolution.
- Andrew Watson - born in 1856, he was the first Black man to play international football.
- Jackie Kay - is a Black Scottish writer and political activist who has written novels for children and adults.
Get creative
Make learning fun by getting creative. You and your foster child could create a timeline of Black history that begins in Roman Britain and includes events such as the beginning and end of slavery, the Windrush generation and the Black Lives Matter movement. You could also download colouring pages of Black British historical figures or bake cakes and decorate them with the Black History Month colours.
Attend Events in your community
Many events take place throughout Black History Month. From walking tours in Edinburgh to community displays and exhibitions all across Scotland, there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about Black History Month, hear Black perspectives and have fun as a family.
Explore African and Caribbean Food
Another fun way to learn about Black History is by exploring African and Caribbean food. You could select some recipes online using a food blog that gives you the history behind the dishes and cook them together with the child in your care. Alternatively, you could support a Black-owned business by heading to a local restaurant.
Support for Foster Carers
At FCA Scotland, our training for foster carers can help you start conversations with your foster child about diversity, racism and inclusivity. From Caring for a Child from a Different Ethnicity, Race or Religion and Intersectionality to Communication with Children, our training will give you the skills to start complex discussions with your foster child.
Our support groups, events and activities can also help you build connections with a diverse range of people. They may be able to offer additional advice and guidance on how to talk to your foster child about Black History Month.
If you’re interested in fostering and would like to learn more about how to become a foster carer and the various types of fostering we offer, get in touch.
