The idea behind the theme is to honour those heroes who have shaped both the UK and wider world, to embrace black stories and to empower and educate. You can find out more about the theme here.
Nottingham has a proud history of Black narratives and later this month we look forward to sharing posts written by local writers and creatives with their own recommendations of stories and what Black History Month means to them.
But what does reclaiming narratives mean on a local level? Our archives are filled with narratives of pioneers who brought about social and economic change in Nottinghamshire – like George Powe (you can read all about the blue plaque campaign for George here) or Eric Irons, Britain’s first Black magistrate.
In 1965 George Powe fought a successful campaign which led to the bike manufacturer and Nottingham institution Raleigh Bicycle Company to change their recruitment laws and ultimately becoming one of the largest employers of Black people in Notts. George reclaimed and rewrote the narrative of 1960s Nottingham workers.
Plaque outside National Justice Museum
Like George, Eric Irons championed for social justice in Nottingham and in 1962 he made history as the first Black magistrate in Britain. Eric continued to work tirelessly for racial equality and he was awarded an OBE in 1978.
Stories like George’s and Eric’s are so important, and that’s where the Nottingham Black Archive comes in. Founded fifteen years ago by Dr Panya Banjoko, The Nottingham Black Archive researches, collects and preserves Black history and culture in Nottingham.
Stories help us to shape who we are and they help us make sense of the world and record moments in time. Nottingham is proud to have the Nottingham Black Creatives Network who empower and support creatives living and working in Notts. They shape the Notts creative narrative of what it means to write and create in Nottingham today. You can find them on Instagram here.
How are you reclaiming narratives this month?
This post is part of our mini blog series for Black History Month 2024.