After being an annual celebration in the United States since the late 1920s, Black History Month (BHM) began in the UK in October 1987. It was started by Akyaaba Sebo, a special projects coordinator of the Ethnic Minorities Unit at the now defunct Great London Council.

He wanted to boost the self-esteem of Black British children and young adults by educating them on the long history and achievements of Black people living in the UK.

Now, each October, we celebrate the African and Caribbean culture, its impact on Britons and the continuing need to educate and elevate relations between people of all cultures.

So, whether you’re celebrating BHM, or just want to share empowering images and messages to your friends and colleagues, Metro.co.uk has rounded up our pick of the best quotes, messages, and social media captions so you don’t have to.

‘Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.’ – Dr. Mae Jemison, first African-American female astronaut

‘If you know whence you came, there is really no limit to where you can go.’ – James Baldwin

‘For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.’ – Nelson Mandela

‘We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.’ – Barack Obama

‘The one thing I feel is lacking in Hollywood today is an understanding of the beauty, the power, the sexuality, the uniqueness, the humour of being a regular Black woman.’ – Viola Davis

‘In the whole world you know There’s a million boys and girls Who are young, gifted and black And that’s a fact’ – Nina Simone

‘When we’re talking about diversity, it’s not a box to check. It is a reality that should be deeply felt and held and valued by all of us.’ – Ava DuVernay

‘The thing about Black history is that the truth is so much more complex than anything you could make up.’ – Henry Louis Gates

‘…Get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.’ – Muhammad Ali

‘I’m Black and I’m proud’ – Godfather of soul, James Brown

‘So cozy, I love me, They hate me because they want me, I’m dark brown, dark skin, light skin, beige, Fluorescent beige, bitch, I’m Black’ – Beyoncé

‘Brown skin girl, Your skin just like pearls, The best thing in the world’ – Beyoncé

 ‘I am dripping in melanin and honey. I am Black without apology.’ – Upile Chisala

‘For I am my mother’s daughter, and the drums of Africa still beat in my heart.’ – Mary McLeod Bethune

‘You are your best thing.’ – Toni Morrison

‘Have a vision of excellence, a dream of success, and work like hell.’ – Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook

‘If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.’ – Shirley Chisholm

‘If you have no critics you’ll likely have no success.’ – Malcolm X

MORE : London’s tube map recreated to honour black people who shaped Britain

MORE : I didn’t learn about Black history in school – so I taught myself

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October marks Black History Month, which reflects on the achievements, cultures and contributions of Black people in the UK and across the globe, as well as educating others about the diverse history of those from African and Caribbean descent.

For more information about the events and celebrations that are taking place this year, visit the official Black History Month website.

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