Scotland reclaims its heritage during Black History Month 2022

Image source: BHM.

By Marie Flügge

For over the past 20 years, Scotland has taken a step forward in highlighting corners of its history that are still too often ignored. Each October in the UK, Black History Month (BHM) gives everyone the opportunity to commemorate the hardships, celebrate the successes, and discover the stories of the nation’s black minorities. 

This year’s theme, “Time for Change: Action Not Words” clearly sets the tone to encourage Scots to actively combat racism using the “see something, say something” principle. The objective is to focus on the “double-burden black people carry in experiencing racism and discrimination and then being expected to fix the problem themselves”, says the UK Government of Science and Engineering. 

The first BHM in the UK was launched in 1987 by the Greater London Council (GLC), following the initiatives of the Ethnic Minorities Unit’s (EMU) representatives – Akyaaba Addai-Sebo and Ansel Wong. Shortly than a decade later, the celebration was extended to Scotland. 

October is “quite a political month”, says Cummins. Throughout photography exhibitions and roundtable discussions, everyone is given the opportunity to understand and “acknowledge the ways in which Black history in Scotland is unique”. He points to Scottish museums which are “really important spaces for telling stories of Black history.” Most museums in the country have free entrance and are a valuable way to access culture about Black history.  

Black History Month events programme 2022. Source: BHM

Like most events over the past two years, BHM had to adapt to Covid-19 restrictions, which Cummin says has “had its benefits, ensuring even those in the further corners of Scotland can participate.” However, the return of “walking tours, film screenings celebrations and many more” is very much welcomed as the celebration is “much rooted in our present connections.” 

This Friday, the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum welcomes Thomas Stuart Smith’s portraits of black sitters. The exhibition dives into the stories behind the paintings of three unknown Black men and seek to understand the way they represent complex portraits of race during Victorian Britain. Entrance is free, and attendance is greatly encouraged.  

Source: Stirling Smith Art Gallery