‘Black is beautiful’: Black Brits on what Black History Month means to them in 2022

The theme for Black History Month this year is Time For Change: Action Not Words. The theme was chosen this year to not only celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people to the UK, but to also continue actions to “tackle racism, reclaim Black history and ensure Black history is represented and celebrated all year round.”

This resonates for many young Black people across the UK who want to make a change all year round and for some, and Black History Month allows for their achievements to be celebrated even more so as well allowing them to feel empowered and proud. (Katelyn Mensah, The Tab, 2022)

The Tab spoke to six Black people, including our founder Kayla, on what Black History Month means to them in 2022. 

Kayla is a 22-year-old Black business owner from the UK. She told the Tab she initially struggled to connect with her “roots” when she was younger due to living in a largely white community. Kayla says: “Black History Month means so much to me as it has taught me to feel empowered, to honour my achievements as a Black person and shout them from the rooftops.”

This month has allowed Kayla to “feel valued and celebrated as a Black individual”. “I no longer shy away from my blackness, I’m in tune with my Black excellence. I’m no longer afraid of labels. I’m proud to be a young, Black, female business owner and I look forward to keep recognising the brilliance within the Black community,” she said.

Read what the other black contributors said here.