Black History Month: Why Black History Month Matters

At All We Can, marking Black History Month (BHM) is more than an act of remembrance – it is an act of commitment. It is about honouring the past, challenging injustices in the present, and shaping a fairer future for all. As Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Champions, we see this moment as a vital opportunity to reflect on our shared history, listen to diverse perspectives, and act on what we learn.

BHM matters because it brings to light the people and voices that have too often been erased from the narrative. Our Engagement Officer and EDI Champion, Paul Richards, explains that it is ‘a chance to listen to and learn untold stories, and to challenge the narrow version of British history [we were] taught.’ It calls us to look beyond what we think we know – with humility and curiosity – recognising that change begins with awareness, and that our shared history is far more interconnected than we might imagine.

For All We Can, this is essential – because our work is rooted in partnership. We walk alongside local organisations in underserved communities across Africa, each shaped by its own experiences of colonialism, resilience, and renewal. Celebrating Black history helps us engage with these contexts more authentically, with a deeper understanding of the legacies that continue to influence inequalities around the world today.

David Thomson, our CEO, reflects that BHM is ‘a moment each year to honour the struggles and celebrate the achievements of Black people throughout history – people who fought, created, dreamed, and persisted against overwhelming odds.’ For him, and for us, it is about acknowledging that the freedoms and rights we enjoy were hard-won through sacrifice – and accepting our responsibility to carry this forward as active allies in the pursuit of what is right.

This message resonates globally. As our Country Representative for Liberia, Benedict Seekey, observes, BHM ‘holds deep significance for me… Liberia’s very existence is a living testament to the struggles and triumphs of Black people seeking freedom, dignity, and self-determination.’ The impact of celebrating Black history reaches far beyond national borders and generations, reminding us that progress anywhere strengthens justice everywhere. This is a collective story we all share and have the power to shape – one that speaks to the humanity and hope that connect us all.

But it is not enough to look back – we must also look within ourselves and our society. For Jaipreet Kaur, our Executive Head of Public Engagement and Philanthropy, this time is ‘about reflecting on the past, acknowledging the ongoing realities of racism today, and actively working towards a future where the wounds of history are healed.’ Her words underscore the need for commemoration to lead to tangible action if we are to bring about lasting change.

At All We Can, we mark BHM because EDI is not something we do once a year – it is embedded in everything we encounter. Because our work with partners depends on relationships built on mutual respect, accountability, and solidarity. Because our commitment to seeking justice demands that we continue to remember and uplift the richness of Black history – not only in October, but every day.

By celebrating Black history, we live out our values of love, collaboration, and courage. We confront the full truth of our shared history and carry forward the lessons that make our partnerships, and our world, stronger.

This BHM, we invite our supporters, partners, and communities to join us – to reflect, listen, and act. Together, we can help build a more just world rooted in love, collaboration, and courage for all.