March is Black History Month (BHM) in Belgium. We celebrate the resilience of the Black community and we put a spotlight on the different ways Black people in Belgium have gathered together over the years and acted in concert to raise awareness and explore new ways of thinking and creating. Stories are retold in the form of performances, exhibitions, debates, talks and more. More than ever, we focus on documenting and archiving with the purpose of ensuring black culture takes it rightful place in the cultural landscape. The ultimate driver is to demonstrate the importance of preserving and promoting cultural diversity and the right of everyone in society to culture.

AB is working in partnership with Black History Month Belgium to support the project from a musical perspective and focus attention on the themes. This year’s theme is ‘The Power of Assembly’.

Read more about the 2022 edition.

The Power of Assembly

Throughout history, black people in Belgium have come together in unity to question established ideas. New ways of being and thinking have been investigated and put into practice. The Covid pandemic and the protests against institutional racism reignited the desire for solidarity. When large groups of people come together spontaneously they create hope for the future. Knowledge and commitment flow together to force political progress. Joining together is a powerful weapon in showing that black people exist and that space must also be created for them. 

The same power is also found in smaller moments. When they pray together, play or trade together, but also when they grieve and take care of each other. This month is about documenting these large and small moments.

Picture: Njaheut Gilles Valer.