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Producer: Celebrate Black History All Year
25 Oct
Summary
- Black History Month risks tokenism, should be year-round.
- Arts industry shows a lack of respect for Black professionals.
- Schools often teach Black history starting only with slavery.
A south-east London theatre producer has voiced concerns that Black History Month has become outdated. Mya Onwugbonu suggests that the annual observance may lead to Black history being treated as a token subject, celebrated only for a limited time each year rather than being integrated throughout the calendar.
Onwugbonu, who has produced shows across London, described experiencing a lack of respect within the arts industry, which she noted is often predominantly white. She stated that Black professionals, despite being in senior roles, do not always receive the same level of respect as their white counterparts.
Historically, Black History Month began in the US in 1926 and was first celebrated in the UK in 1987. While Wales made strides in 2022 by introducing compulsory education on black history, Onwugbonu believes widespread school curricula still fall short. She observed that students often associate Black history solely with slavery, overlooking its much longer origins and subsequent developments.
Onwugbonu's heritage includes Jamaican and Nigerian roots, with her grandparents arriving in the UK as part of the Windrush generation. Her call emphasizes a continuous and comprehensive approach to understanding and celebrating Black history.
