Black History Month is about pride , but true pride comes when the different cultures in our communities can be recognised and celebrated: both African Caribbean and African need a platform to express pride in their culture, and to appreciate those of others.
Join our community which serves as that platform.
This isn’t just about cultural celebration. It’s about understanding that when Black communities have distinct power structures, they can address systemic barriers more effectively. In the UK, where Black History Month has evolved from a niche observance to a powerful platform for understanding the complex contributions of Black people to our national identity, this distinction matters more than ever.
Why distinct Power structures matter for Black communities
For too long, we’ve treated all Black communities as a monolith. This approach ignores the unique systemic barriers faced by African Caribbean communities versus African communities , barriers that require specific, targeted solutions. When we don’t acknowledge these differences, we miss opportunities to create meaningful change.
Consider the Windrush Generation , their legacy continues to influence policy discussions today. But African Caribbean communities also face distinct challenges related to historical migration patterns, economic opportunities, and social integration. These differences mean that power structures must be designed with specific communities in mind.
Why separate power structures aren’t about division, but about shared strength:
- African Caribbean communities often face barriers related to the Windrush generation and subsequent migration patterns
- African communities may have different historical contexts and migration patterns
- Both groups require distinct approaches to address systemic barriers like housing, healthcare, and economic opportunities
This isn’t about erasing differences , it’s about building power that acknowledges them. As The Community Revolution’s work demonstrates, “working with stakeholders to co-create solutions that address challenges facing beneficiaries” is the path forward.
How TCR builds separate Power structures that work
At The Community Revolution, we don’t just talk about power structures , we build them.
Our approach focuses on:
- Community-led policy discussions: We partner with African Caribbean and African communities to co-design initiatives that address their specific needs
- Cultural preservation as resistance: We help communities maintain cultural traditions while building power in the face of systemic erasure
- Policy advocacy with nuance: We ensure that policy discussions recognize the distinct needs of different Black communities
For example, in our recent work with urban communities in Nottingham, we are creating a local platform where African Caribbean and African communities can share their experiences and develop targeted solutions.
Kuumba and Ujima: When they support our theme
Kwanzaa principles can be powerful tools when used appropriately. While Kujichagulia (self-determination) was the focus of part 2 of our BHM series, Kuumba (creativity) and Ujima (collective work) offer practical ways to build separate power structures that still work together.
- Kuumba (creativity): When communities use their creativity to design solutions that address their specific needs, they build power that’s both practical and sustainable. For example, African Caribbean communities might develop innovative approaches to community land use that differ from African communities’ approaches , but both solutions can coexist and strengthen each other.
- Ujima (collective work): This principle emphasizes working together, but in the context of separate power structures, it means building relationships that respect distinct needs while creating shared solutions.
These principles help us understand that true empowerment comes when we acknowledge differences while building collective strength.
Why this matters for Black History Month
Black History Month is more than a celebration , it’s a vital space for reflection, recognition, and reclamation. In the UK, BHM has evolved from a niche observance to a powerful platform for understanding the complex, often overlooked, contributions of Black people to our national identity. But its true significance lies in addressing a critical gap: the systemic erasure of Black voices in mainstream narratives.
By focusing on why Black communities need separate power structures, we’re not just talking about differences , we’re creating a framework for understanding how to build power that works for everyone.
What we need from you
We want to hear from you:
- “What about your cultural background makes you proud?” , Share below , we’ll feature the best stories in our Kwanzaa series.
- “What would you like to learn/understand about other black communities?” Your questions will help us create more meaningful conversations and better understand the distinct power structures that exist.
This is where our community comes in , by sharing your experiences and perspectives, you help us build a more inclusive understanding of what power really means for Black communities.
The path forward
True power comes when we acknowledge differences while building shared strength. By understanding that African Caribbean and African communities need distinct power structures, we can create solutions that are more effective and more sustainable.
As The Community Revolution’s work shows, when we center Black voices and co-create solutions that address specific needs, we build power that works for everyone. This is the path forward , one where Black communities can express pride in their culture, appreciate those of others, and build the power structures that serve them.
Let’s build that power together.
