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October is Black History Month in the UK. An important month for marking the contributions and history of Black people and communities in the UK. Black History Month aims to highlight the often-untold stories of Black people in UK history and celebrate these individuals and their achievements. Black History Month is a time to both celebrate and reflect.
Black History Month first started in the UK in 1987, the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean. Akyaaba Addai-Sebo organised the first Black History Month to celebrate Black people and their histories, and to challenge racism. October is also at the start of the academic year, and a good time to reflect that Black history should not be confined to one month, but should remain in classrooms and lecture halls over the whole year.
'I believe it’s crucial for Lancaster University to recognise Black History Month, not just because of the city’s harrowing links to the slave trade, but because this is a step towards recognising a newer, more accepting and more diverse Lancaster - one that takes accountability and progresses to reflect our current community and values.' Victoria Nyoni, Chairperson of the LUSU BAME Network
Black History Month 2026, themed “Honouring Our Communities,” celebrates the people whose everyday contributions help communities thrive, from volunteers and teachers to carers and community leaders. It recognises the longstanding role of community in Black British history, from early Black presence in Britain to the Windrush generation and beyond, highlighting resilience, identity and collective progress. The theme encourages us to value often-overlooked contributions, amplify diverse stories, and ensure that the many experiences within Black Britain are fully recognised and respected.
