Father Staffan Dawkins reflects on the 2024 theme for Black History Month.
What does this year’s Black History Month theme, Reclaiming the Narrative, mean to you? What stories have been told about you? What stories do you hold of yourself? Most importantly, what is your true narrative?
This year’s theme, according to Black History Month (B:M) 2024, is all about recognising and correcting the narratives surrounding Black history and culture by shining a brighter light on the often-overlooked stories of Black communities. It’s about, as cited by B:M 2024, reclaiming ownership of our histories, honouring our heroes, and confronting the narratives that have frequently ignored or diminished the contributions of Black individuals, both in the UK and globally.
So, as we reflect on this theme, I ask again: What is your narrative?
Reclaiming the narrative starts with telling the stories that have been silenced for too long. But before we can share them, we must first learn them. One way we can reclaim our narrative is by celebrating the unsung heroes in our history. For instance, how many of us know about the Black soldiers who fought in the First World War? Or Mary Seacole, a Jamaican-born healer whose courage and compassion earned her a reputation as great as Florence Nightingale’s during the Crimean War? Despite facing racial prejudice, she cared for injured soldiers, earning the respect and gratitude of many.
Closer to home, we have figures like Bernie Grant, one of Britain’s first Black MPs and a hero to the people of Tottenham. Elected leader of Haringey Council in 1985, he championed equality by pioneering policies to eliminate all forms of discrimination. From tackling racial and gender bias to advocating for the disabled and LGBTQ+ communities, Bernie Grant fought to ensure that everyone had a voice.
These may be heroes of the past, but their legacies live on in the present and will inspire future generations. We stand on their shoulders, and this Black History Month is a time to remind ourselves of the paths they’ve paved. But it also begs the question: What legacy will we leave behind?
In reclaiming narratives, we must also look to the heroes among us—especially our Black women, whose contributions have too often been overlooked. I’m talking about our grandmothers, mothers, aunts, sisters—those who have been the backbone of our communities for generations. They hold families together, nurture future leaders, and offer love and guidance often without recognition.
Just last Thursday, during Collective Worship at our local school, I asked the children, “Who was the last person you asked for help?” Unsurprisingly, 95% of them said their mother. The remaining 5% mentioned their teacher—another role predominantly filled by women. This speaks volumes about who the heroes are in our daily lives. For this reason, we must make it a habit to say “thank you” to the women in our homes, our communities, and our families.
Let us help them reclaim their narrative, one that acknowledges the immeasurable value they bring to our world.
However, we cannot complete this conversation without addressing our Black men. Our men must also stand tall and reclaim their narratives. For too long, Black men have been subjected to harmful stereotypes—often portrayed as threats or failures. But the truth is far different. Many Black men are leaders, protectors, and mentors. They are integral to the success of our communities, and their stories of resilience, creativity, and strength must also be told.
To our Black men: How will you reclaim your narrative? How will you show the younger generation that they are more than the stereotypes society imposes on them? You have the power to reshape these narratives by leading, teaching, and modelling a path of integrity, excellence, and self-worth. In doing so, you help guide our Black youth toward a future where they can live authentically, free from the narrow expectations others may try to place on them.
Let us move forward together this Black History Month, reclaiming our stories, honouring our heroes—past and present—and ensuring that the narratives of Black men, women, and youth reflect the full beauty, power, and richness of our heritage.
We are the storytellers of our time, and it is up to us to make sure the world hears the truth.