The document discusses the origins and development of Australia's Blak History Month (BHM), which takes place annually in July. BHM founder Sam Cook initiated the idea in 2008 through a grassroots communications strategy to increase recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. Since then, BHM has grown significantly through community engagement, educational resources, social media campaigns, and recognition from organizations. The presentation reflects on BHM's impact so far and future plans to further establish it through a book series, app, and educator resources to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories remain central to Australia's national identity.

1. AUSTRALIA’S BLAK HISTORY MONTH
1st -31st JULY –
Utilising new media to inspire a new
consciousness across nations
Sam Cook, Juliette Hubbard, Leesa Watego

2. Abstract
The BLAK HISTORY MONTH (BHM) team will discuss and share
their developmental methodology for their research, community
engagement, communication strategy, resource production,
volunteerism and critical thinking behind the development and
implementation of Australia’s BLAK HISTORY MONTH. In January
2008, BHM founder initiated a guerrilla style communications
strategy to declare July as BLAK HISTORY MONTH. Identified as a
people’s movement, un-vetted by Government or restricted by
Agenda, BHM recognised that Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
people & culture had grown from being nationally commemorated
on one day, to one week (NAIDOC Week), to one month (BHM).
2014 marks BHM’s 7th year.

3. Sam Cook
@kissmyblakarts
Juliette Hubbard
@Juliette24
My co-presenters

4. Foundations
26th January 2008
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
TO ALL AUSTRALIANS
On this 26th Day of January 2008, in commemoration of the 20th
Anniversary of the proclamation of SURVIVAL day, it is hereby
announced that the month of JULY 1 – 31st is not proclaimed
BLAK History Month in Australia.
From this day forth and for all years to come, JULY will remain
a month of significance and symbolism for the unity of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations, in celebration of
Australia’s rich, vibrant Indigenous histories and cultures.
JULY will provide an opportunity for ALL AUSTRALIANS to
recognise the true Australian identity, giving Schools,
Government, Multicultural Australia and most significantly
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities the
opportunity to respectfully promote greater awareness of the
diversity, innovation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
splendour.
Australia’s BLAK History month, will join the worldwide
celebration of Blak History Month, giving a greater international
profile to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations,
alongside Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States
of America.
The Australian community is hereby advised to BLAK out JULY
in their diaries annually as a month of pride and celebration of
all tribal groups and people throughout Australia and the Torres
Strait.
1st July – 31st July – Australia’s Blak History Month
WE HAVE SURVIVED.

5. Why Blak & not black?
● Taking ownership of language
● Historically ‘black’ was a negative term
● Blak takes back power and control
back
● Destiny Deacon, Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander visual artist, used the
term in 1991, also used by Djon
Mundine – curator, Clinton Nain -
artist, Tony Albert – artist, Sam Cook –
business owner

6. Activities
Poster Design by Sam Cook
2008
Poster design

7. Activities
Poster Design by Sam Cook
2008
Free classroom activities

8. Activities
Poster Design by Sam Cook
2008
Social Media Campaign

9. Activities
Great Moments in
Blakistory fact sheets
= 1 sheet per day for 31
days of each July since 2008

10. Who has taken #ABHM into their
practice?
1. Critical Classroom
(educational resources)
2. Brisbane City Council (a
month of programs)
3. Carriageworks (a program
held in 2011)
4. KISSmyBLAKarts
(merchandise)
5. The Willin Centre (since 2009)
6. Point Blank (US based
journalist Chris Stevenson was
one of the first international
media sources to syndicate
Blak History Month)

11. Our digital presence
www.blakhistorymonth.com
www.facebook.com/AustraliasBla
kHistoryMonth
www.twitter.com/BLAKHISTORYa
ust
https://sites.google.com/site/austr
alianblakhistorymonth/

12. The future …
1. Great Moments in
Blakistory – the book
series
2. Blak History Month –
the app
3. Blak History Month –
the educators resource
kit

13. Questions?
1. What role has our individual, yet community-based
entrepreneurship had in the establishment and continued
work of Blak History Month?
2. Is this model of activity sustainable?
3. What additional resources would see #abhm flourish?
How long does it take for a “movement” to become
embedded across all aspects of the community?
4. What value is there in a Blak History Month from an
educational aspect? How can we document changes and
effectiveness?

14. Presented by @LeesaWatego
This presentation is available on
www.slideshare.net/leesawatego