大象传媒

The man credited with starting Black History Month in Britain, Akyaaba Addai-Sebo has visited Leicester to kick off the 2023 celebrations.

Black History Month first received official recognition from governments in the United States. The event was the brainchild of Carter G Woodson, known as the father of black history.

Born in Virginia in 1875 to parents who were former slaves, he had limited access to education and job opportunities. But he was able to study at one of the few high schools for black students after saving money earned by working as a coal miner.

The first Black History Month in the UK took place in 1987, the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean.It was arranged by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who came to the UK from Ghana as a refugee in 1984. Like Woodson before him, he wanted to challenge racism and celebrate the history of black people.

October was chosen partly because it's traditionally a time when African leaders gather to talk about important issues, and partly because it was at the start of the school year.

Akyaaba Addai-Sebo was invited to Leicester by Tara Munroe from Opal 22 Arts group, whose latest art exhibition 'Casta Paintings' is on at Leicester Museum and Art Gallerey, where Akyaab gave a talk.

大象传媒 Radio Leicester's Kevin Ncube went down to meet him.

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