23rd February 2010: Mayor of London Boris Johnson’s decision to slash funding for the Black History Month has sparked outrage in the community.

According to the figures seen by the Guardian,  Mr. Johnson has cut funding for Black History Month, a series of events staged in October to celebrate black culture in the capital, from £132,000 to £10,000, though city hall insists the previous figure was £76,000. The Guardian reported that Africa Day’s £100,000 grant from the London Development Agency has also been axed completely.

Former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, who supported multicultural events throughout his mayoralty, termed “outrageous” the decision to cut funds for Black History Month. “These were all events that helped bring London together,” he said.

A spokesman for the mayor told the Guardian that the GLA “is not and cannot be a cash cow nor a financial lifeline”.

“Events must have local and community support if they are to add value and make a proper contribution to community cohesion in London, and as has been seen with the celebrations for St Patrick’s Day and a new Jewish cultural festival that is coming up, it is possible for communities themselves to create greatly enhanced events, but with reduced GLA funding. The GLA does not own Black History Month or Africa Day, but we would hope community groups would be able to develop programmes that mark these in a similar way.”

“Save London’s Black History Month” online Petition has been set up on Not The Headline News: http://ning.it/9ydWjf
The Petition says: “We call upon the Mayor of London Boris Johnson to reconsider his decision to cut the funding for London’s 2010 Black History Month from £132,000 to £10,000. London is one the world’s truly great multicultural cities. Ensuring that the historic and present day contributions made by all communities to the making of modern London is a fundamental responsibility of any Mayor committed to the promotion of greater levels of cultural understanding and racial harmony.

“Greater efforts to raise awareness of the hidden history and heritage of London’s African and Caribbean communities should be supported. Black History Month plays an important role in educating Londoners about the contributions made to the development of modern London. It is also critical in reinforcing positive self-images among young black people highlighting the political, economic and cultural contribution of London’s Black communities throughout the ages.

“We are also concerned that the Mayor’s decision to cut this important budget will be replicated by other London Conservative Councils. The Mayor of the most diverse city in the world should be investing in Black History Month seeking to promote greater levels of understanding and awareness among all Londoners. The Mayor needs to represent and promote the diverse interests of all of London’s peoples including African and Caribbean communities.

“By taking this action we believe the Mayor will reinforce ignorance and promote racism in London and we therefore call upon him to reverse his decision and fully restore London’s Black History Month budget.”
You can sign the petition on this link: http://ning.it/9ydWjf

A “Save London’s Black History Month Committee” is being established.