October marks Black History Month. It is an opportunity to shine a light on the significant and diverse contributions of Black people and communities to the fields of culture, science, politics, the economy and many more. Black History Month has been celebrated in the US since the 1920s but it took until 1987 for it to appear on the
UK calendar. This was due to the vision and efforts of one remarkable man – Akyaaba Addai-Sebo.
Born and raised in Ghana, but with diverse life experience including periods in the US and the UK, Akyaaba’s vision and commitment to highlighting Black history was supercharged by an encounter with a colleague in London. Then 35 years old, he was working at the Greater London Council (GLC) as a coordinator of special projects in the Ethnic Minorities Unit. His colleague recounted the story of her 6-year-old son who had gone to bed the previous evening asking, ‘Why can’t I be white?’ She told Akyaaba that she felt she had failed her son. He responded:
No, you haven’t failed your son. The national curriculum, local authorities, churches and the institutions – they have failed your son. Not only your son. They’ve failed all children growing up in this country.
The conversation stirred something in him. He spent weeks listening to children around him as he travelled to and from work and around his community. He felt there was an issue of identity and decided that every child growing up in the UK should have an appreciation and understanding of Africa, Africans, people from African descent and their contributions throughout world history, but especially to the growth and development of the UK.
With this vision, he approached colleagues at Greater London Council, at that time a progressive and unified body, and together they came up with a series of historical lectures and concerts to celebrate Africa’s contribution to world civilisation, led by intellectuals, politicians and musicians from across the diaspora. Included at this event were activists such as Winnie Mandela, Jesse Jackson, Marcus Garvey Jr, Ray Charles, Burning Spear, Hugh Masekela, and many others.
The key thing was getting London filled with people who had been face-to-face with the struggle
Addai-Sebo
This became the bedrock upon which Black History Month was founded. It was not without opposition but Akyaaba’s approach was quiet diplomacy. Eventually, he prepared a declaration, which was adopted by all London boroughs. The declaration was sent across the country and endorsed by other areas. At the tail end of the declaration, it said that all the boroughs would declare October – and every October thereafter – as Black History Month. And thus, the celebration was born.
In addition to founding Black History Month, Akyaaba’s key contributions include anti-apartheid activism. He was a director of Tribute Inspirations and helped organise two Nelson Mandela concerts at Wembley Stadium, mobilising global pressure to free Mandela. He co-produced One Humanity, a documentary about the fight to end apartheid. He has been a peace mediator in Africa, where he played a key role in peace efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone, helping to negotiate ceasefires and end civil wars.
His contributions go beyond activism. Akyaaba’s work has influenced national and global discussions around race, identity, and inclusivity. His efforts have paved the way for the recognition and celebration of Black culture and history worldwide.
At With-you Consultancy, we believe that Akyaaba’s work embodies the spirit of peer support, communities standing together, listening, and empowering one another through shared experience.
Peer support plays a particularly vital role within Black and Asian communities, where collective wisdom, cultural connection, and mutual care have long been sources of strength and healing. Whether through community groups, mentoring, or co-designed initiatives, peer-based approaches foster trust, resilience, and empowerment, creating safe spaces to be seen and heard authentically.
As part of our celebration of Black History Month we commend Akyaabo Addai-Sebo and his remarkable contributions, we also look forward to continuing his legacy of connection, empowerment, and representation.
We invite you to join our Black and Asian Network, a safe space for our Black and Asian Learners, and Associates (as well as anyone interested in peer-based approaches) to share experiences and engage in peer support from a culturally informed anti-racist perspective.
Together, we can continue to celebrate and elevate the contributions of Black and Asian communities, not just in October, but throughout the year.
Sign up to the Black and Asian Network
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