For thirty years the achievements of the black community have been celebrated in the UK by dedicating the month of October to highlight the impact black history and culture has had on our society. This year, the month is even more important as 2007 marks the bicentenary of the abolition of slavery.

For your resource on everything BHM-related, we recommend you visit www.blackhistorymonthuk.co.uk which is your one-stop shop for news on all activities and events taking place across the country. For our part, we will attempt to keep up to date with the online chatter from the people who have attended these events and try to point you in the direction of all manner of stimulating articles, artists and assorted miscellany.

We will also be devoting some time to focus on the programmes Sky Arts are airing to mark the occasion, which are being led by two UK TV premieres: The Gospel According to Al Green which shows the soul singer in conversation and performance and Black Wax: Gil Scott-Heron which is a profile of the poet, jazzman and black activist. The blog From Da Bricks was able to preview this documentary and arranged an interview with the director – follow this link to read the article.

Sky Arts are also offering a ‘Brief History of Black Music’ courtesy of the Sky Arts Music Service providing a selection of tracks you can listen to online. Get finger-clicking happy on this link to find out more.