It began as a week.
The inception of Black History Month started in the US, with historian Carter G. Woodson and Pastor Jesse E. Moorland, as Negro History Week. It was created as an appreciation for Black history, culture and identity. The founders believed in the importance of studying race within society — and in knowing the origins of one's identity at a moment when that knowledge was actively being erased.
They lived in a time when information was not easily accessible, yet was easily changed to suit those in power. "White-washing" was the norm. The achievements of other races and cultures were diminished as they were thought to be inferior. To set the record straight took a refusal to let the record be written without you.
Section 02 · Civil rights & identityFrom a week, to a movement.
With the growing awareness of Black identity and the Civil Rights Movement, Negro History Week gave rise to what we know today as Black History — a celebration of achievement, a reflection on a long history of oppression, and an observance of the African diaspora. It moved from being a date in a diary to being a way of looking at the year itself.
Section 03 · Woodson, in his wordsIf a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.
SickleKan started with a similar vision.
SickleKan started with a similar vision — to educate and raise awareness of a disease that, even today, hasn't got the attention it deserves. We were founded by people who have sickle cell anaemia and are affected by it. That puts SickleKan in a unique position to educate, mentor and support others battling the disease — because we are them, and they are us.
To give people a voice within their local and wider community — raising awareness from the perspective of sickle cell patients themselves.
We are continually looking to expand our reach, with the long-term goal of one day making a difference in the lives of every person living with sickle cell anaemia. As a charity, we rely on donations, volunteers and hard work to reach our objectives — and we are thoroughly appreciative of everything people do to get involved.
Section 05 · Part of the conversationUntil sickle cell, like Black History, is part of the conversation.
We will continue to move forward with our journey until one day, like Black History Month, sickle cell anaemia will also be part of the conversation — not a footnote, not a sidebar, not the thing patients have to explain on first dates and at A&E counters. Just known.
That's the work. That's the lineage. That's what brought you here.
