1. Black History Month

2. Black History month is celebrated annually in USA, Canada and
UK. It celebrates the achievements and contributions of black
people in society.
It´s seen as an important part of history as 12% of USA is of an
African American background and 4% of UK is of a Black British
background.

3. In the 1700s, Britain was involved in the slave trade between
America, Africa and Europe. Liverpool is home to the oldest
black community in England. In 1833, slavery was abolished, and
the black people in Britain were let free. However, due to racial
discrimination and lack of jobs, they were still unequal members
of society.

4. During World War 1 and 2, more immigrants arrived from Africa
to fight in the war and from British colonies. However, it was the
period after WW2, where there was the biggest influx of black
immigrants. They came from the common wealth countries in
the Caribbean (along with Indians and Pakistanis) after their
countries gained independence.

5. In the 1970s, 80s and even as recent as 2001, there have been
race riots in Britain. This has been due to discrimination and
poor living conditions.

6. In the USA, similar protests took place, with the Civil Rights
Movement. They were led by Martin Luther King, whose speech
is often quoted ´I have a dream´.

7. During this month, both African American and Black British icons
are celebrated. These include Rosa Parks, Paul Stephenson,
Jesse Owens, Martin Luther King and Barack Obama.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zBg_VN2T0c&feature=relat
ed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V57lotnKGF8

8. Today in Britain, there are many modern icons that people can
look up to.