Black History Month, an annual observance rooted in the United States, has evolved into a global celebration of the rich heritage and contributions of the African diaspora. In the United Kingdom, this commemoration unfolds every October, offering a platform to recognize and appreciate the profound impact of black culture and history.
Dating back to its inception in 1987, Black History Month in the UK has grown beyond its initial purpose of remembering pivotal figures and events in the African diaspora. It has become a cultural and political event, shedding light on the historical and contemporary contributions of black Britons. This year’s observance holds special significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush passengers in the UK.
The Windrush generation, a key focus of this year’s celebration, underlines the longstanding presence and influence of people from African and Caribbean backgrounds in British history. Campaigners emphasize that their contributions have often been overlooked or distorted, prompting a reevaluation of historical narratives.
In recent years, heightened attention has been directed towards acknowledging the importance of the Windrush generation and supporting movements like Black Lives Matter. The tragic death of George Floyd in 2020 amplified the urgency of addressing systemic racism, leading to increased awareness and advocacy for equality and justice.
Twelve19styles, a fashion brand that originated in the vibrant streets of Lagos, Nigeria, has emerged as a beacon of empowerment during Black History Month. Through our bespoke suits and contemporary African wear, we not only showcase fashion excellence but also strive to reshape the narratives surrounding black men.
Our Baálè collection made waves at the Afro Festival in Bristol. It gained international recognition at the African Fashion Week in London, where it made waves and was featured on the BBC world news. Beyond the runway, in September, we organized a gathering in London, where friends of the brand donned their suits. This event served a dual purpose — not only to showcase fashion but to address the underrepresentation of black men in leadership roles.
A staggering statistic reveals that only 1.5% of leadership positions in the UK are held by black individuals. Cognizant of this imbalance, we aim to improve perceptions of black men and challenge negative stereotypes perpetuated by the media. This event extends beyond fashion; it provides a space for black men to connect, empower each other, and share ideas, fostering a network that opens doors to opportunities often obscured.
In the backdrop of increasing crime rates, we recognize the importance of inspiring the younger generation to choose a path of hope and greatness. These ongoing events aim to flood the narrative space with positive stories, countering the disproportionately highlighted negative news.
As Black History Month unfolds in the UK, we will sequentially showcase the stories of the individuals present during the event, highlighting their impactful contributions. In a world often emphasizing challenges, we aim to illuminate a path towards empowerment, connectivity, and a future where every voice harmoniously contributes to progress.
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Credits
Photography: capture Eyehttps://kavyar.com/captureyeworld
Video : Dw content
Suits : Twelve19styles