The Black History Month website has a wealth of features and events listings.

Black History Month, celebrated every October in the UK, is even more pertinent this year, 200 years after the abolition of the slave trade by the British Parliament.

A series of events will take place during the month in museums, galleries and other venues to highlight the achievements of the black community and uncover its hidden history.

Now in its 30th year the initiative has recieved the backing of PM Gordon Brown who comments: “This year it is even more significant, as 2007 marks the bicentenary of the vote to end the slave trade in the British Empire.

"When Britain voted to end this trade in 1807, it was one of the first countries to do so – but we must continue to challenge inequality, discrimination and racism in Britain and the rest of the world today.”

“That is just one striking example of why Black History Month is important. By learning about our history, we can acknowledge the values we share, and celebrate the diversity that now exists in the UK.”

The life of Thomas Equiano is celebrated with an exhibition that opens in time for Black History Month at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

The dedicated Black History Month website is home to a host of excellent features relating black heritage to different subject areas from health to teaching, and also has regional event listings.

On the website, you can find out about black abolitionists who were at the centre of the campaign to bring down the slave trade and slavery, and events from African Caribbean music workshops to archive exhibitions detailing the black presence in the UK’s towns and cities.

With several museums, galleries and heritage sites taking an active role in the commemoration the 24 Hour Museum will also be covering a selection of events and exhibitions throughout the month.