The Black History and Lifestyle Awards is an annual event held to honor the achievements of Blacks both in Africa and in the diaspora.
The event recognizes the successes, bravery, and vision of the Black community, as well as those who have triumphed both significantly and modestly throughout the broader African diaspora while also acknowledging their contributions to bridging the gap between African arts, rich cultural heritage, triumphs, and adversities.
The ceremony also aims to raise awareness for the accomplishments of Africans in the past and present, as well as for black-owned businesses.
The Black History and Lifestyle Awards ceremony is held in various cities across the African continent and aims to promote a positive image of Africa and its people.
Joining in the commemoration of the heritage and culture of Africa and its people, the Black History and Lifestyle Awards event took place in Nigeria on Sunday, February 5th, 2023, at the prestigious Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotels located in Victoria Island, Lagos.
It was an evening filled with glitz, glamour, and top-notch entertainment, hosted by the beautiful Nollywood actress and host Nancy Isime and Nigerian stand-up comedian Ayo Makun.
Fashion enthusiasts, socialites, business owners, diplomats, government officials, and black icons made their grand entrance onto the red carpet, which was hosted by the lively and charming pair of Eni Adeoluwa and Priscilla Ojo.
The 2023 celebration was filled with thrilling segments, including the Award Night. The night was characterized by an electrifying Runway Fashion Show, a bustling Trade Exhibition Fair, a Hall of Fame celebration, a charitable Ball, and several captivating performances from renowned musicians and comedians from across the country.
The Hall of Fame/Award night showcased black history by honoring the achievements of black trailblazers who exemplified excellence in their respective fields.
Black History and Lifestyle Awards is one of the key ways in which Black History Month is promoted and preserved. These awards are designed to celebrate the achievements of black people and to promote the cultural heritage and lifestyle of Africans.
The awards are given in categories such as arts and culture, entrepreneurship, leadership, and community service. They are a way to recognize the contributions of black people and to promote their cultural heritage and lifestyle.
Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is an annual observance in the United States that celebrates the contributions and accomplishments of Black Americans throughout history.
It is recognized in February in order to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two prominent figures in the fight for African American rights.
During this month, events and activities are held to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and achievements of Black Americans, including historical and cultural exhibitions, educational workshops, and community gatherings.
It is a time to recognize the significant role that Black Americans have played in shaping the history of the United States and to acknowledge the ongoing struggles for equality and justice that still exist today.
The Inception of Black History Month
The inception of Black History Month dates back to 1915, fifty years after slavery was abolished in the United States through the Thirteenth Amendment.
In September of that year, Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-educated historian, and Jesse E. Moorland, a well-known minister, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH).
This organization was devoted to researching and acknowledging the accomplishments of Black Americans and people of African descent.
The ASNLH, now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), initiated National Negro History Week in 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
This event spurred schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, create history clubs and host lectures and performances.
Over the years, mayors of cities across the country began recognizing “Negro History Week” annually.
By the late 1960s, due to the impact of the civil rights movement and increasing recognition of Black identity, “Negro History Week” evolved into Black History Month on numerous college campuses.
President Gerald Ford officially acknowledged Black History Month in 1976, encouraging the public to recognize the often-overlooked accomplishments of Black Americans throughout history.
Today, Black History Month marks the contributions and legacy of African Americans across all aspects of U.S. history and society, including leaders in industry, politics, science, culture, and more, such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks.
Although the Black history month celebration officially started in the United States, it has gained momentum in other regions including Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and lastly, Africa.
Black History Month was celebrated in seven African countries for the first time in 2020.
Participating countries were Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Ivory Coast, Comores, Senegal, and Cameroon. The event was initiated by the organization Africa Mondo founded by Mélina Seymour.
Every year, a theme that tells the Black story is designated each Black History Month. The theme for the 2023 celebration was, Black Resistance which explores how “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms, and police killings,” since the nation’s earliest days.
The significance of Black History Month cannot be emphasised. It is an opportunity for people of all races to learn about the rich and diverse heritage of African Americans, from their early history and struggles to their triumphs and achievements.
The event is a way to honor the legacy of black people and to recognize the important role they have played in shaping the country and its culture.
The purpose of Black History Month is twofold. First, it serves to educate people about the rich and diverse history of African Americans. Second, it is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions, achievements, and cultural heritage of black people.
Through events, exhibits, and other activities, people can learn about the rich history of black people and their contributions to the arts, sciences, politics, and other areas of life.
