About Us

Our Story

International Black History Month UK (IBHM-UK) is supported by IBHM Heritage International, a non-profit community organisation founded in June 2020 by a group of Black Britons passionate about uncovering and celebrating Britain’s hidden Black histories. From the beginning, our goal has been to create a vibrant platform that educates people about the achievements and contributions of African and Caribbean heritage communities to the UK’s history, culture, and economy.

We are proud of the progress we’ve made and invite you to read our CEO’s statement for insight into our journey and vision.

What we do?

IBHM Heritage International researches, curates, and promotes UK Black history for both the Black British community and the wider public. Through this website we showcase inspiring profiles, highlight key historical moments, and provide free educational resources.

During Black History Month UK, we use the platform to explore a coherent theme each year, highlighting hidden or forgotten parts of British Black history and educating both the Black British community and the wider UK population.

But our work extends beyond October. We aim to bring Black British history to life year-round through events, exhibitions, and talks across the UK. We encourage communities to explore their shared history, learn together, and share these stories more widely.

We are committed to preserving the achievements of African and Caribbean heritage communities and ensuring these stories are told authentically. By educating, inspiring, and celebrating, we aim for a future where the contributions of Black Britons are recognised, celebrated, and woven into the nation’s story.

Vision and Mission

Our vision is a future where the achievements and contributions of African and Caribbean heritage communities are celebrated, recognised, and fully integrated into the UK’s national story.

Our mission is to:

Celebrate achievement and heritage – recognising the vital contributions of African and Caribbean heritage people to UK culture, history, and the economy.

Educate and promote understanding – teaching the wider UK population how Black history is integral to Britain’s past, fostering social cohesion, and highlighting links with Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.

Advance equality and justice – challenging anti-Blackness and colonial legacies while encouraging institutions to adopt meaningful equality and diversity policies.

Our organisation

IBHM Heritage International is a non-profit community group that relies on grants and donations to fund its work.

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Our Strategic Approach

Since our founding, we have contributed to the growth of UK Black History Month and continue to strengthen its impact. Our focus is now on becoming one of the leading independent organisations documenting and celebrating Black British achievements.

We aim to expand our programme of events, exhibitions, and talks, and build partnerships that bring Black British history to life. In the long term, we plan to:

Train community historians

Expand research initiatives

Deliver a comprehensive programme of events and exhibitions

Ensure Black UK history is fully integrated into national consciousness, education, and policy

Achievements & Impact

Since 2020, IBHM Heritage International has been uncovering, preserving, and celebrating Black British history. Highlights include:

Free Educational Resources: We provide learning materials and profiles that connect people to the achievements of African and Caribbean heritage communities.

High-Profile Campaigns: Sharing Journeys – UK Black History Month 2022 was our largest campaign, engaging schools, communities, and the wider public.

Transforming Black History Month UK: We established annual themes to give the month a distinctly British focus and coherence nationwide.

Community Historians and Future Plans: We aim to train community historians, build partnerships, and will relaunch our events programme in 2026 to foster dialogue, learning, and celebration.

For more detailed insights into our journey and future plans, please read our Impact Report 2022 and Message from the CEO 2025.

Get Involved

You can support our mission by exploring our resources, attending events, volunteering, or donation. Together, we can ensure the stories of Black Britons are remembered, celebrated and shared for generations to come.