This October 2009 will see the third UK RumFest – The world's biggest festival to celebrate the diversity of rum and its rapidly growing popularity. Whether you’re a party animal, drinks connoisseur or just want to transport yourself back to that paradise island, UK RumFest…The Rum Experience has something for everyone.

Throughout the month of October, Teachers TV, the digital and online service for those in education, has scheduled a wide range of documentaries to mark Black History Month.

Programme highlights include the premiere of our Political Assassinations series, where we explore the assassinations of renowned American civil rights leaders Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.

Other programmes include the premiere of Building Bridges, whereby we visit local communities in London, as they recall the arrival of Caribbean immigrants to the UK after the Second World War – known as “The Windrush”. 

1. Mary Seacole (1805-1881) was born in Kingston, Jamaica.  During the Crimean War, Mary helped to look after the troops by feeding them and treating their wounds.  She also went to the front line to then to the wounded.  In 1856 she returned to England penniless and remained this way until 1867 when the Seacole Fund was set up, supported by Queen Victoria.  This provided her with enough money to continue practicing as a ‘doctress’ until her death in 1881.

2. Vincent Bunting was born in Panama in June 1918 and raised in Kingston, Jamaica.  He became a fighter pilot and joined No 611 Squadron in December 1942.  After being promoted to Warrant Officer, Bunting served with No 132 Squadron flying Spitfires.  In October 1944 he was transferred to No 154 Squadron.  Whilst leaded a section of Mustang IVs from his squadron on he 27th March 1945, Bunting destroyed an enemy aircraft near Lübeck in Germany.  In April 1945 he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer and in June he received his last flying post in the RAF, joining No1 Squadron.

3. James Durham was born in the Sudan and was the first African to be accepted into the Army on the same conditions as white recruits.  In 1902 James was sent to England and then posted to Ireland in 1905.  On 8th August 1910 he died of pneumonia in Fermoy Hospital, County Cork and was buried with full military honours in the local cemetery.

Black History Month is upon us and it is a great way to look at what it has taken to get us as a community to get to where we are today.

It's a great way to understand the sacrafices needed in life, no matter your background  required to make a difference, not only to others, but also to your life.

Black Net is running a campaign to encourage visitors to post up and coming Black History Month events to help spread the knowledge amonsgt the wider community.