Dive into this year’s Black History Month theme and discover ways to celebrate, learn, and stand with Black communities — not just in October, but every day.
Black History Month 2025: Standing Firm in Power and Pride
Each October, Black History Month offers a space to celebrate the achievements, cultures, and contributions of Black people across history and in the present day. It’s a time to reflect on the legacies of struggle and strength, resistance and creativity, community and change.
This year’s national theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”, honours the resilience and self-determination of Black communities in the UK and beyond. It’s about taking pride in identity, culture, and heritage, and standing firm in the face of injustice, inequality, and erasure. From arts and activism to science, sport, and education, Black individuals have shaped every corner of society. Black History Month is a chance to recognise those contributions and centre the voices that are too often left out of mainstream narratives.
In Birmingham, a city with deep-rooted Black history and culture, a wide range of events will take place throughout the month. These include exhibitions, performances, talks, creative workshops, and film screenings, offering opportunities to engage with Black British history on both a local and national level.
Check out some of the events here.
For students, Black History Month is also an important time to reflect, learn, and act. It’s an opportunity to explore whose histories are represented in your studies, to hear from voices that challenge the status quo, and to engage in meaningful conversations with your peers and communities. Whether you're attending an event, reading something new, or starting discussions, there are many ways to participate and get involved.
While October offers a dedicated time to celebrate and reflect, the conversation must continue long after the month ends. Celebrating Black history, challenging inequality, and creating inclusive spaces are not one-off actions. They are ongoing commitments that require year-round attention. Black History Month is not just about looking back, but about shaping the present and building a more just future.
So this October, take the opportunity to engage with stories of Black excellence, question what you think you know, and honour the power and pride at the heart of Black history every single day.