Upcoming Online Festival to Celebrate Black Muslim Heritage for Black History Month: A Chance to Learn, Celebrate, and Give

In the UK, Black History Month is marked in October with increased attention being paid to Black achievements, events and historical and contemporary personalities. But what does Black History Month 2020 have to do with Muslims? 

Quite a lot, as it turns out. 

This summer’s BLM protests against police brutality and racism in general shone a light on the experiences of Black people worldwide, including those of Black Muslims. The ensuing media attention led to honest and, sometimes, uncomfortable conversations about racism and anti-blackness within the Muslim community itself. 

All these events have culminated in what is to be a truly historic event: the launch of the first online Black Muslim Festival on the 2nd of October 2020, lasting for 4 weeks of Black History Month (UK). 

Award-winning author and speaker, Na’ima B. Robert, has dedicated her community-building skills to put together a month-long online programme featuring 40+ of the Ummah’s greatest Black Muslim scholars, academics, historians, creatives, writers, activists, professionals and entrepreneurs. 

A quick glance at the program shows a refreshing variety of topics, formats, and audiences, with a mix of panel discussions, seminars, workshops, interactive Q&A sessions, screenings, poetry recital, and more. This is truly an online event unlike any other, with something to offer every member of the family, Black or not, Muslim or not.

Registration is free for selected festival events and attendees may register via the website here.