Thought for the Month - October 2026
The Reverend Sharon Quilter writes about Black History Month.
We are fast approaching the season of remembrance, during which we not only remember and give thanks, but increase our knowledge of the history that has made our nation what it is today. Did you know that the month of October, amongst other occasions, is Black History Month? It has been celebrated in the UK since 1987, as a time to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Black people to British society. It also serves as an opportunity to inspire and empower future generations.
Black History is not just about what happened during the period of transatlantic chattel enslavement. Or that when slavery was abolished, slave owners and others benefited financially, including the Church of England. There are many who dispute these events. But that is history. Some believe and others don’t. Some scoff and others take action.
But back to invaluable contributions. The following is a small example from the list of 100 Great Black Britons compiled in 2020 by Patrick Vernon OBE and Dr Angelina Osborne founders of the 100 Great Black Britons campaign. The full list forms a book honouring the remarkable achievements of key Black British individuals over history. How many of these names and their achievements are you aware of?
Mary Seacole (1805- 1881), Crimean War Nurse and Philanthropist
Ignatius Sancho (1729–1780), Writer, Composer and Actor
Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE (b.1968), Space Scientist, Engineer and Broadcaster
The Right Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin (b.1961), Bishop of Dover
Stormzy (b.1993), Singer, Rapper and Songwriter
Mary Prince (1788-1833), Abolitionist and Writer
Walter Tull (1888–1918), Professional Footballer and WW1 British Army Officer
Dame Malorie Blackman (b.1962), Writer and Children's Laureate (2013-2015)
These are only a few of the people who have and continue to contribute to British society in all walks of life. Not to mention those non-Brits whose ideas, discoveries and passions resulted in things and experiences we take for granted. The African American women known as human computers on whose story the film ‘Hidden Figures’ is based, comes to mind. They were some of those instrumental in getting the Americans into space and on the moon in the 1960s.
And for those of us who believe in and follow Jesus, our faith and lives are built on history. A history that started in the countries and regions of Africa. A history that travelled through Asia and the Mediterranean before reaching the shores of Western Europe. Those of us who read the Bible, are regularly engaging with Black history. The people we encounter there are Black, Brown and what is commonly called Olive-skinned people. Black history therefore is not something new, as it is part of the story of God’s people everywhere. One could say it is his-story, her-story, our-story. So, this Black History Month, I invite you to step outside of whatever is your norm and try some Black History. It could be something as simple as checking out the story of one of the above-named people, watching a film like ‘Hidden Figures’ or even ‘Harriet’, the Film Club choice for this month. Have a go, you never know what you might learn.
With love and prayers.
