Black History Month is a remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated annually in the United States of America and Canada in February and in the United Kingdom in the month of October. In Zimbabwe we celebrate Black history at every opportunity given.

The remembrance was founded in 1926 by United States historian Carter G. Woodson as "Negro History Week". Woodson chose the second week of February because it marked the birthdays of two Americans who greatly influenced the lives and social condition of African Americans; former President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass. Woodson also founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

When the tradition of Black History Month had started in the US, many in mainstream academia had barely begun to explore black history. At that point, most representation of blacks in history books was only in reference to the low social position they held as slaves and their descendants, with infrequent exceptions such is that of George Washington Carver. In the US, Black History Month is also referred to as African-American History Month.

The selection of pictures on exhibition gives a representation of the history of Africans in the development of present structures and systems.  Acknowledged in one portrait is our national pride the Great Zimbabwe stone buildings which still stand in Masvingo.

The site is a reflection on the skillfulness and creativity of blacks in ancient architecture.  From the inventions of blacks 2500 years ago in countries such as Egypt, the Caribbean and Peru, to the emergence of well known black activists there came about the need to bring together all people of African origin and Solidarity between all races.  Martin Lurther King, Malcom X, Rosa Parks, Steve Biko and Patrice Lumumba were some of the most influential names to be highlighted in black history.

THIS EXHIBITION WAS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROSITY AND LOVE OF THE FOLLOWING:

• National Gallery of Zimbabwe
• Alliance Francaise for frames
• British council for frames
• Embassy for Angola for frames and pictures
• Embassy of Sudan for pictures
• SAPES Trust for literature and participation
• Book Café for food , drinks and love
• Eyahra Mathazia for transport, catering and pictures
• Ras Ishmaelite for non stop labour, blood, sweat and tears
• Ras Jabulani for research /materials
• Ras Tawanda for research /materials, PS: Get well soon!
• Kundishora Chipunza for the encouragement and support
• Express Alioni (Sisters are doing it for themselves)

THANK YOU ALL

Xapa