Everything you need to know about the Black History Month 2022 theme

Why does Black History Month have a theme?

Just like many celebratory events, festivals or awareness activities Black History Month (BHM) looks to connect people to important moments in history, as well as taking the time to see how far we’ve come and where there is still work to do.

A year can go by in the blink of an eye, however, 365 days can sometimes change the face of the world we live in. We only have to reflect on the last 24 months to see how our lives can be changed by the world around us.

Every year BHM has a theme, with 2021’s ‘Proud to Be’ campaign looking to the Black community throughout the UK to share what they were proud of. 2021’s theme came about off the back of the Black Lives Matter events during 2020.

BHM is about taking a closer look at the moments in the past that have shaped society, those moments are many and each significant in their own way; and much like the challenges of the here and now it’s helpful to shine a spotlight on particular observations, challenges and achievements.

Not, I might add at the exclusion of ‘everything else’, but in order to create a sense of focus and clarity where we can all join together.

What is the theme for Black History Month 2022?

The theme for Black History Month 2022 is “Time for Change: Action Not Words”.’

This year looks to understand that to get to a better tomorrow, we can’t just focus on the past. The past is in the past. We can acknowledge and learn from it, but to improve the future, we need action, not words. We need to come together around a shared common goal to achieve a better world for everyone.

This year’s Black History Month in October is more important than ever. It’s not just a month to celebrate the continued achievements and contributions of Black people to the UK and around the world.

‘Awareness’ is not enough, we need to empower people to change their behaviour and take action to make a change. It’s time for continued action to tackle racism, reclaim Black history, and ensure Black history is represented and celebrated all year round.

Traditionally, Black History Month in October has quite rightly celebrated key figures and events in Black history. This year, to go further the theme looks to recognise the achievements and contributions that Black people make to the UK every day – from the Black people working on the Covid-19 frontline in our hospitals, care homes, schools, supermarkets and warehouses, to the children and young people leading the fight for equality in the classroom, to the household names using their platforms to push for change. People across the UK are encouraged to share their stories.

What does the theme mean?

“Time for Change: Action Not Words” is about joining together and not being an active bystander. Being an active bystander means being aware of when someone’s behaviour is inappropriate and choosing to challenge it. This year asks that when we see something, we say something. Be the active bystander that we all need to be.

BHM is celebrated throughout October, however, being an Ally and being an Active Bystander is a life-long commitment. It’s not something we do for a weekend, or at a certain event or in or out of work. It’s about moving beyond these short-term activities and making a real and impactful lifelong commitment to take action.

There have been many important steps forward in recent years and many workplaces are working hard to improve policies, educate their people and achieve meaningful outcomes.

This is only possible if the people within the workplace take account of their own actions and learn about our differences with a self-directed dedication to tackling racism. You can encourage your staff to be reflective and curious about Black History and anti-racism with clearly communicated commitments backed up with impactful actions.

Why the theme is relevant

“Black people are often given the double burden of experiencing racism and discrimination, and then being expected to fix it. Hopefully, by making the theme of this year’s Black History Month Time for Change: Action Not Words’ we can come together to make a change for the better.”

Catherine Ross, Black History Month Editor

This year’s theme and celebrations ask us to learn about the origins of Black history, but to also move beyond this and understand the continuing systemic racism that still exists, to challenge the attitudes, behaviours and biases in society and to positively reflect on the achievements and contributions of Black people of years gone by and those shaping our future.

How to use the theme to shape your celebrations of the month

Celebrating Black History Month at work is important and should be planned effectively and collaboratively, not just for the sake of it.

Here are some ideas for planning ahead of time for Black History Month:

• Invite Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic colleagues, including any race and ethnicity networks, to discuss the event and share any objectives that could be achieved through the campaign.
• Consider how the Black History Month theme connects with your current EDI commitment or strategy. How can you weave it into the work you’re already doing?
• Prepare a project plan and assign tasks to members of your team to help promote awareness of Black History Month. Be careful not to put the burden of organising everything on your Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic colleagues. Anti-racism is everyone’s responsibility.
• Think about ways everyone can get involved: how can you encourage and empower people to take action
• Inclusive Employers members can download a copy of our Black History Month Toolkit for tips on what you may need to consider in your plans. 
• Purchase your copy of the Inclusive Employers’ anti-racism toolkit, Building anti-racist cultures: a toolkit for your workplace
• Book an in-house webinar with an Inclusive Employers I&D expert to celebrate Black History Month with your colleagues
• Inclusive Employers members can contact their account manager for more support and guidance. 

Final thoughts

By sharing Black History Month resources, you can help deepen your colleagues understanding of what it means to be anti-racist and how we can support Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic colleagues. 

If you’re a member of Inclusive Employers, you can access our race resources here. If you’re not a member, you can purchase our anti-racism toolkit or get in touch to see how we can help.