Black History Month UK 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Every October, the UK comes together to celebrate Black History Month. Celebrating the achievements and contributions of people of black heritage, remembering the past and focusing on the future, this year’s theme of “Standing Firm in Power and Pride” is a tribute to resilience, strength and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe.

When Did Black History Month Start?

Let’s travel back to September 1915, when Harvard trained Carter G Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). A cause dedicated to researching and promoting the achievements of Black people and those of African descent, Carter then established Negro History Week in February 1926 to extend and deepen the study and scholarship of African American history.

The creation of this week caused ripple effects throughout the USA, inspiring schools and communities to have weekly celebrations on African American history.

The rise of the civil rights movement in the 1960s also led to a greater light being shone on Black Identity, which led to the evolution of Negro History Week, into the now loved Black History Month – officially recognised by President Ford in 1976.

Why is Black History Month Important?

During the Thatcher Era, following a number of riots across the country, Black Britons were experiencing high levels of marginalisation and racism. Akyaa Addai-Sebo, a Ghanaian activist and Special Projects Coordinator for the Greater London Council, was instrumental in bringing Black History Month to Britain. Akyaaba and other local community activists joined together to organise the UK’s first Black History Month celebration in 1987 in London.

Black History Month educates people on the significant, often overlooked, contributions of Black individuals to society, culture and history. This celebration does more than challenge stereotypes; it fosters understanding and solidarity, serving as a platform to advocate for ongoing social justice and racial equity.

Key Facts About Black History Month

Black History Month originated in the US, so when it began here in the UK, it was naturally heavily influenced by the US’s history. Since it’s transformed to focus more on UK history, culture, and celebrate our progress as a nation, whilst of course acknowledging where other countries' progress is too.

How is it Celebrated in the UK?

Celebrated in local communities, museums and workplaces throughout the country, Black History Month in the UK explores a range of topics, from Britain’s colonial past to migration and music.

October tends to be the only time that schools will teach children about Black History Month, with Wales becoming the first nation in the UK to introduce mandatory changes to its curriculum in 2022, to include lessons about black history, racism and contributions of figures from black, Asian and other ethnic minorities.

Black History Month Speakers

Our Black History Month speakers embody the power of change and the importance of collaboration. By sharing their journeys and insights, they offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the leadership qualities that drive transformation, both on the world stage and within your organisation.

Emma Dabiri

Emma Dabiri is a presenter, social historian and writer. Her debut book, 'Don't Touch My Hair', was published in 2019 by Penguin Allen Lane. Emma currently co-presents Britain’s Lost Masterpieces on BBC 4 and Virtually History on YouTube Originals, and is a teaching fellow in the Africa department at SOAS.

Karl Lokko

Karl Lokko is a former gang leader turned activist, influencer, poet, public speaker, philanthropist and adventurer. Founder and Chairman of Black Seed, Europe's first Black-led venture capital fund focused on backing Black founders, Karl is undoubtedly one of the most potent young voices in the country.

Tim Campbell

Tim Campbell is a passionate and recognised advocate of inclusion who shares with global audiences his entrepreneurial journey, the story of the ground-breaking charitable foundation he set up and his work in the education sector championing apprenticeships.

Reni Eddo-Lodge

Reni Eddo-Lodge is a London-based, award-winning journalist. She has written for the New York Times, the Voice, Daily Telegraph, Guardian, Independent, Stylist, Inside Housing, the Pool, Dazed and Confused, and the New Humanist.

Anne-Marie Imafidon

Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon is an influential tech thought leader and co-founder of Stemettes, who delivers captivating keynotes on topics such as tech diversity, social entrepreneurship, AI's impact on work, and empowering the leaders of tomorrow, while hosting a popular podcast and serving as a trustee on various boards.

Hayley Mulenda

After nearly taking her own life at the age of 18, Hayley realised how mental health issues are increasingly affecting millennials and she was passionate to do something about it. Hayley’s experience and insight makes her a credible voice for diversity and inclusion as well as mental health and well-being.

Yassmin Abdel-Magied

Yassmin Abdel-Magied is an engineer, author, broadcaster, and award-winning social advocate. Her powerful TED talk, “What Does My Headscarf Mean to You” has more than 2.5 million views and was selected as one of TED’s top 10 ideas. An internationally renowned speaker on the topics of unconscious bias and transformative leadership, Abdel-Magied is on a mission to make diversity the norm across the world with a unique ability to make complex ideas accessible to all.

We have many other fantastic Black History Month speakers available, do get in touch with us to find out more!

Historical Figures to Know

It’s important for us to recognise and remember those who have made progress possible, including the following:

Frederick Douglass, who escaped slavery and became an abolitionist and civil rights leader, led the voice against the institution.

Harriet Tubman was a conductor on the Underground Railroad who helped hundreds of enslaved people escape to freedom.

Rosa Parks, a seamstress and activist whose refusal to give up her bus seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Thurgood Marshall was the first African American Supreme Court Justice.

How to Get Involved in Black History Month UK 2025

Bringing in an external keynote speaker to deliver an impactful, educational and motivational presentation to your organisation is a fantastic way to get involved with Black History Month. Not only are our speakers, workshop hosts and conference facilitators credible and experienced, they’re also brilliant storytellers who engage audiences with vulnerable stories of adversity and heart ship, to show how we can move forward together to achieve equality.