Our young people should be taught about the horrors of the slave trade so that we never forget, but they also need to understand that their ancestors came from some of the most civilised societies
Black History Month is an important time of year to celebrate the often overlooked contributions of the black community in the UK.
It’s an opportunity to have our history told in a positive way and free from the sanitised narratives that ignore the injustices we’ve faced, such as the increasing mistreatment of black migrants in this country.
The Windrush scandal, for example, has seen British citizens, primarily of African and Caribbean heritage who rebuilt the country after the war, lose their jobs, homes, hospital treatment and right to remain in the UK due to the government’s hostile environment.
I have always said that ideally I would like to see black history in all its glory incorporated into the history books, so that it is taught daily. While children are taught about slavery in schools, the versions of events passed down tend to omit uncomfortable truths. Our young people should be taught about the horrors of the slave trade so that we never forget, but they also need to understand that their ancestors came from some of the most civilised societies.
That is why Labour’s new policy to set up an Emancipation Educational Trust is so important, as it will tell the story of how slavery interrupted a rich and powerful black history.
more:
Categories: Africa, America, Americas, Arab World, Europe, historical sites, historical sites, History, UK, United States