Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It’s recognised in the UK in October and in the US in February.
Black History Month is the annual celebration and commemoration of moments in history, achievements and contributions that Black people have made.
The theme for Black History Month UK 2025 is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe. This year, the theme highlights the profound contributions made by Black people be they leaders, activists, or pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth.
Power represents the influence, leadership, and capacity to effect positive change. It acknowledges the visionaries who have led political, civil rights, and social movements, as well as those who have broken barriers in business, education, and the arts. Their legacies remind us that true power is not about titles but about the collective strength, courage, and unity used to forge a more equitable future for all.
Pride reflects cultural identity, heritage, and the celebration of Black excellence. From the art and music to the stories passed through generations, pride is the heartbeat of Black communities worldwide. It’s about knowing where we come from, embracing our history, and walking boldly into the future without compromise or apology. Pride is a declaration of the beauty, the resilience, and the unmatched contributions of Black culture to the world.
Black History Month 2025 will honour key anniversaries, including the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act and the assassination of Malcolm X. These milestones serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, and the tireless efforts of those who have fought for the rights of Black people and communities. This year also marks the passing of Paul Stephenson OBE (1937–2024), the civil rights campaigner who led the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott — a defining protest against racial discrimination that helped inspire the very legislation we now commemorate. We also remember the remarkable legacy of Lord Herman Ouseley (1945–2024), former Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, whose work shaped national conversations around race, education, and institutional reform. Their contributions continue to echo in today’s fight for fairness, dignity, and inclusion.
In 1915, in response to the lack of information on the accomplishments of Black people available to the public, historian Carter G. Woodson co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. In 1926, the group declared the second week of February as “Negro History Week” to recognise the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history.
The week-long event officially became Black History Month in 1976 when U.S. President Gerald Ford extended the recognition to “honour the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavour throughout our history.”
Since the first Negro History Week in 1926, other countries have joined the United States in celebrating Black people and their contribution to history and culture, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands.
First brought to the UK in the 1980s, Black History Month was initially introduced to the country by a member of the Greater London Council, Akyaaba Addai Sebo. Since 1987, Black History Month has been celebrated annually in the UK, to eradicate discrimination and encourage racial equality.
Black History Month continues the discussion of Black people and their contributions through activities such as museum exhibits and film screenings, and by encouraging the study of achievements by African Americans year-round.
Studies revealed that 60% of Black professionals still experience racism in the workplace, so a key motivator behind Black History Month is to highlight how people from such communities have made pivotal contributions to society.