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Foreword
Black History Season highlights the importance of education and the need to be inspired and learn from others. It also promotes the historical role and the huge contribution of African and Caribbean communities to the capital, which will be of interest to all Londoners. "This year there is a fantastic range of activities and events on offer across the city in libraries, theatres, galleries and educational institutions. At City Hall I am supporting a number of exciting lectures and exhibitions themed around the 60th anniversary of the arrival of Empire Windrush, which celebrates and explores this significant period in our city's history and culture. I hope everyone enjoys this years Black History Season celebrations." Boris Johnson
This success is a tribute to the vision and professionalism of Barbara Campbell and team, who have built on the legacy of Claudia Jones and the West Indian Digest newspaper founded fifty years ago. As we reflect on the sixtieth anniversary of the Windrush arrival, we know that one month dedicated to our history is not enough. It is insufficient time to educate about the black historical struggle, or to broadcast the significant contribution, success, challenges and heritage of Africa and the Diaspora, in Britain and internationally. I believe that the Black Heritage Today magazine is an important resource to educate young people, parents and the mainstream agencies that have an influence on the development of this subject. I have met many young people with outstanding positive self-esteem and -confidence in their abilities and skills. This confidence is rooted in a strong identity to our historical experience, a process enabled by magazines such as Black Heritage. I have seen the growth in BHM in terms of events and the level of engagement with local communities across the country, from my experience of participating and also developing campaigns, websites and publications. This is also a tribute and commitment of activist, educationalist and the important role of museum and heritage sectors in ensuring the public has a greater access to our heritage. There has been a lot of recent talk of the potential future demise of BHM and, instead, celebrate multiculturalism and diversity in general. However, learning from the legacy of the Windrush we have to remember that, as long as racism and fascism exist, there will always be a need for BHM. Please read this publication, attend the events and share the learning to family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues. Let us take the responsibility of passing this legacy on to the next generation and acknowledge the experience and contribution of those who paved the way. Let us all work together and ensure the ongoing development of both Black History Month and Black Heritage Today as a national treasure. Patrick Vernon |
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It is with great pleasure that I welcome Black History Season to London. History is a fascinating subject that we should all truly relish.
I feel honoured to give the foreword for the 2008 edition of Black Heritage Today. This was the very first magazine to provide invaluable information, news, listings and insights on Black History Month. I am glad that this publication is still going from strength to strength. 
