ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø

cartoon hands in the air

Black History Month

Every October we celebrate Black History Month. In 2025, ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø is highlighting resilience and progress, overcoming adversity and driving change.

On this page

Black History Month is a celebration of black history, culture and pride dedicated to honouring the contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history, as well as embracing the strength and unity found in our vibrant community.

In the UK, the month of October is put aside to recognise and celebrate the contributions and the achievements of the black community and learn about black historical and contemporary figures who contribute to Britain. Black History Month further aims to highlight the pride and struggles of people of black origin and other persons of colour from African and Caribbean backgrounds.

In 2025, to celebrate Black History Month, we are focusing on the theme 'Resilience and Progress: Overcoming Adversity and Driving Change', honouring the enduring strength, creativity, and transformative impact of Black communities in the UK and globally.


Events

Events for BHM 2025 will be announced shortly.


Call for Contributions

We invite submissions for a vibrant exhibition of posters and artefacts as part of the Black History Month 2025 Conference. This exhibition will showcase visual and material contributions that reflect on the lived experiences, cultural heritage, and ongoing struggles and triumphs of Black individuals and communities. We welcome submissions from academics, artists, students, activists, and professional staff members.

Suggested topics your submissions may explore, but are not limited to:

  • Histories of Racism and Resistance - documenting systemic challenges and acts of defiance.
  • Anti-Racist Education and Activism  - strategies for change in schools, universities, and communities.
  • Black Cultural Heritage and Identity - celebrating traditions, language, and creative expression.
  • Diasporic Narratives and Memory - migration, belonging, and intergenerational storytelling.
  • Intersectionality and Lived Experience - exploring race, gender, class, and disability.
  • Black Excellence and Innovation - contributions in science, technology, arts, and leadership.
  • Community Resilience and Grassroots Movements - local responses to adversity and injustice.
  • Decolonising Knowledge and Institutions - reimagining curricula, archives, and research practices.
  • Mental Health and Healing - navigating trauma, wellbeing, and collective care.
  • Youth Voices and Future Visions - empowering the next generation of changemakers.

Not sure if your topic fits? Contact Chioma Onoshakpor via email: 

Submissions & Guidelines

  • Posters should be visually engaging and clearly communicate the conference theme or research. Formats may include academic posters, creative visual essays, or storytelling.
  • Artefacts may include digital or physical items such as photographs, textiles, multimedia pieces, historical documents, or creative works.
  • Slides should be visually engaging and clearly communicate the conference theme or research.

Submissions should include:

  • Title and brief description (max 150 words).
  • Creator(s) name and affiliation (if applicable).
  • Poster design (A3) (if printing is needed).
  • Digital posters (preferred).
  • Any technical/display requirements.

Deadline

Submissions can be made by 15 October 2025 to Chioma Onoshakpor via email:


Reading List

ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Library have put together a  for everyone to enjoy.

Read stories from ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø's community in our dedicated blogs:

This year, to celebrate Black History Month (BHM), we are joining in on the UK theme but highlighting our diverse community with 'Reclaiming Narratives: ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Stories'. We caught up with Dr Chioma Onoshakpor, Race Equality Champion at ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø, to learn more about this year's initiatives.

Join us in celebrating the rich tapestry of our diverse community for Black History Month (BHM) 2023 this October! Let's Connect, Create and Celebrate together to honour the contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history. Hear from Staff Equality Champion for Race Leila Neshat Mokadem to learn more about this year's theme, exciting line-up of events and how to get involved.

Black History Month (BHM) is an annual worldwide celebration of black achievements. It's an opportunity for us as a university community to celebrate diversity and educate ourselves about race, ethnicity, and learn more about the rich historical contributions of Afro-Caribbean people to the UK.

In honour of Black History Month 2022, the Staff Race Equality Network and the Race Action Group organised an open lecture entitled "Who Am I?" on Thursday 20 October. The event, also part of the university's Vibrant Campus initiative, saw internal and external speakers address an audience of 30 staff members and students.

In his community story, Student President for Education and Welfare, Emmanuel Akerele, looks ahead to Black History Month, which begins on October 1.

As the university marks Black History Month we caught up with Dr Ibiye Iyalla, the Academic Strategic Lead for Corporate & Postgraduate Programmes at the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology and Programme leader for Subsea Engineering.

In her community story, social work student and member of the ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Black Liberation Network, Emma-Lee Davidson, looks at how to be a good ally and support the BIPOC community, both at university and further afield.

Cookie Consent