Dreaming Whilst Black Dreaming Whilst Black is a British comedy series written by and starring Adjani Salmon. Originally a webcast series, an award winning television pilot (2021) developed into a series, which was broadcast on BBC Three from 24 July 2023 and is currently airing on BBC iplayer. This hilarious comedy centres around Kwabena (Adjani Salmon) who works in recruitment but dreams of being a film maker with his video producer friend from film school Amy (Dani Mosley) and explores the specific struggles faced by Black creatives in the entertainment industry. It's a smart and incredibly funny show with some amazing scenes - 'Can I just pay for soup please' being one of our most favourite and rewatched scenes. Black and British: A Forgotten History Streaming on BBC iplayer Historian David Olusoga explores the enduring relationship between Britain and people whose origins lie in Africa. The Confessions of Frannie Langton streaming on ITVX This tv adaptation of Sara Well's period novel tells the story of Frannie Langton, a servant and former enslaved person who is accused of murdering a plantation owner and his wife. Moving from Jamaican sugar fields tot he fetid streets of Georgian London, exploring one woman's haunted fight to tell her story. 8 Bar The Evolution of Grime streaming on BBC iplayer Storyville explores the history grime and UK rap. They called it young black kids’ punk rock - a genre that radio stations wouldn’t play and records that labels refused to sell. But grime would not be stopped. With machine-gun lyrics that shred the eardrums and syncopated electronics that pound the chest like a sledgehammer, grime was a product of social unrest, urban culture and disenfranchised youth colliding in early 2000s UK. It didn’t just rouse a grassroots audience, however. Today, grime is surging in popularity all over the globe and widely influencing the music charts. This is the story of the genre’s roots. Champion steaming on BBC iplayer Champion is a British musical drama television series created and written by award winning author Candice Carty-Williams for BBC One. Set in South London, it focuses on the musical rivalry between two up-and-coming musicians, siblings Bosco and Vita Champion, and the ramifications and fallout of which could drive their family apart in their quest for musical stardom. White Nanny Black Child on Channel 5 White Nanny Black Child is a feature documentary tracing the experiences of Black Nigerian immigrants fostered by white British families between 1955 and 1995 will get its UK theatrical release and a Q&A at Ritzy Picturehouse Brixton on Sunday 1st October, before its TV premiere on Channel 5 on 3rd October 2023 at 10pm. Riches streaming on ITVX Riches is a British drama television series created by Abby Ajayi, and is one of it's most exciting new dramas depicting the glamorous lives of a Black cosmetics dynasty. It's a fabulous over-the-top pulpy drama that will have you glued to your screen for its six episodes. Focusing on black talent.... Black Ops streaming on BBC iplayer Watch the first series of Black Ops - a British television comedy series starring the multi-talented Gbemisola Ikumelo and Akemni Ndifornyen who are also co-creators, writers an executive producers. Set in East London, it focuses on Dom and Kay who are two police community support officers who join the Greater London Police and find themselves working undercover. Rye Lane streaming on Disney+ Rye Lane is the sweet British romcom directed by Raine Allen-Miller in her feature directorial debut, from a screenplay by Nathan Bryon and Tom Melia. Set in the South London area of Peckham and Brixton, the film is titled after the real-life Rye Lane Market. It stars David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah who dazzled as two strangers who have a chance encounter, after having both been through recent breakups, and spend the day getting to know each other. Three Little Birds streaming on ITVX Three Little Birds is the brainchild of legendary British comedian Sir Lenny Henry who has written and produced this historical ITV drama. It narrates the adventures of gregarious sisters Leah and Chantrelle, who hail from St Anne’s district in Jamaica, and their virtuous, bible-loving acquaintance, Hosanna as they board a cruise ship heading for a new life in the 'mother country' namely the UK. This six-part series will premiere its n during Black History Month UK. Hijack streaming on Apple TV Idris Alba heads up this tense thriller told in real time. Hijack follows the journey of a hijacked plane as it makes its way to London over a seven-hour flight, and authorities on the ground scramble for answers. They Cloned Tyrone streaming on Netflix British actor John Boyega joins Teyonah Parris, and Jamie Foxx in the pulpy mystery caper They Cloned Tyrone . A series of eerie events thrusts the unlikely trio onto the trail of a nefarious government experience conspiracy. Top Boy streaming on Netflix Check out the final season of Top Boy on Netflix. The series is set on the fictional Summerhouse estate in the London Borough of Hackney and focuses on two drug dealers, Dushane ( Ashley Walters ) and Sully ( Kane Robinson ), along with others involved with drug dealing and gang violence in London. The Strays streaming on Netflix Originally released in February this British social horror The Strays explores the intersections of colourism and class. Written and directed by Nathaniel Martello-White, in his directorial debut. In the film, Neve leads an idyllic life with her family. As a socialite in her community and the deputy headmistress of a private school, Neve's privileged life begins to crumble when two strangers arrive in town. Image Credits: BBC, Apple TV, and Netflix.

Black Power: A British Story of Resistance Originally aired in March 2021 this programme exams the Black Power movement in the late 1960s in the UK, surveying both the individuals and the cultural forces that defined the era. At the heart of the documentary is a series of astonishing interviews with past activists, many of whom are speaking for the first time about what it was really like to be involved in the British Black Power movement, bringing to life one of the key cultural revolutions in the history of the nation. Charlene White: Empire’s Child streaming on ITV player Broadcaster Charlene White takes an eventful journey into her past. Follow her as she explores how the legacy of the British Empire has shaped her family's history. Loose Women anchor, Charlene White describes “It’s a story about who we all are as British people”. Troy Deeney: Where’s My History? Streaming on All 4 Footballer and anti-racism campaigner Troy Deeney sets out on a mission to get Black, Asian and minority ethnic histories and experiences on the curriculum in schools across the UK. Una Marson: Our Lost Caribbean Voice streaming on BBC iplayer The extraordinary story of Una Marson, a trailblazing poet, playwright and campaigner, and the first black producer and broadcaster at the BBC. A Caribbean woman born in the early 1900s, Una defied the limits society placed on her. Joining the BBC’s Empire Service during World War II, she was the first broadcaster to give voice to Caribbean writers and intellectuals, bringing their stories and culture to a global audience accustomed to hearing only English accents. During her time in London, Una wrote and produced a play for London’s West End, the first black writer to do so. She was also an activist, championing women’s rights, the rights of black people, literacy programmes and the education of children, and working with the deposed Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie. Una’s writing, letters and her BBC personnel file are used to gain a unique insight into her life and work, while leading academics and her friends consider Una’s life as a black woman in a professional role in Britain at a time when that was highly unusual - and had significant personal costs attached. Fresh Cuts streaming on ITVX In celebration of Black History month, ITV have commissioned five rising Black filmmakers including David Adeyemi, Jason Osborne, and Yemi Adegbulu to produce a series of programmes exploring Black Britishness. The series includes a documentary exploring tattoos in British Black culture by following tattoo artists Sammy Inks, Nish Rowe and Tianna Tatts and their customers. While the Yemi Adegbulu helmed documentary follows basket ball players Melita Emanuel Carr and Jon Johnson and their teams as they battle their way through the Ball Out 3x3 tournament. Focusing on black talent.... TOGETHER WE RISE: The Uncompromised story of GRM Daily available on Youtube Featuring interviews from the likes of Stormzy, Giggs, Kano, Ms Banks, JME and Dizzee Rascal, the docuseries tells the story of a generation through the game-changing channel, GRM Daily and its founder Posty - the young, Black, British entrepreneur who helped contribute towards giving a new generation of talent opportunities via a global platform which in turn became a benchmark for their success. Mo Gilligan & Friends: The Black British Takeover streaming on All 4 Filmed at the O2 Arena in December 2021, this show features some of the best British comedians, from Eddie Kadi to Ola Labib, plus music from The Compozers. Jungle streaming on Prime Video UK UK rap culture brings you a crime drama like nothing you’ve seen before. In a near-future London, two young men try to better themselves, but are forced to face the consequences of their actions. Mood streaming on BBC iplayer Debuting earlier this year, this six-part drama was written and executively produced by the multi-talented Nicole Lecky, who also stars in the series. Mood centres on an aspiring singer and rapper who becomes wrapped up in alluring world of social media influencing. The show is inspired by real events and touches upon themes such as how young women navigate social media today, and the blurred distinction between liberation and exploitation that exists both online and in real life. “I originally wrote the story because I saw this website where men were shaming these actresses, dancers, models for secretly being sex workers,” Lecky clarified. “I was really shocked by that, and I just felt really compelled to write about it.” Harder they Fall streaming on Netflix Premiered on Netflix in November 2021, this western film was directed and co-written by multi-hyphened UK Black creative Jemel Samuel. This Black western has all star cast including Idris Elba, Johnathon Majors, Regina King, Zazie Beetz, and Lakeith Stanfield. Its characters are loosely based on real cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws of the 19th century American West. The story follows outlaw Nat Love and his gang who are seeking revenge by taking down enemy Rufus Buck, a ruthless crime boss who just got sprung from prison. You Don’t Know Me streaming on BBC iplayer and Netflix UK If you haven’t already watched this smart courtroom drama, then this month is a great time. The four-part series stars Samuel Adewunmi as the accused, known only as ‘Hero’. A young car salesman from South London who has been charged with murder of an acquaintance. As all the evidence points to him being guilty of the crime, there is only so much Hero can do to prove his innocence to the court. Filled with unusual twists that makes you think – can someone be morally in the right while legally in the wrong? – and strong performances from lead actor Adewunmi and his supporting cast. Photo credits: Mo Gilligan & Friends: The Black British Takeover. Conor O'Leary/Channel 4

Check out a few of our TV recommendations to help you celebrate and learn more about UK Black history, culture and talent. Sorry, I Didn’t Know, S2 ITV and ITV Hub, Sundays at 10:30pm Jimmy Akingbola returns as the host of this comedy panel show, for a special five-part series throughout the month. He's joined by team leaders Judi Love and Chizzy Akudolu, as well as a host of special guests including Kojo Anim, Russell Kane, Sikisa, and Stephen K Amos. Each team goes head-to-head test knowledge and come out victorious. Ashley Banjo: Britain in Black and White ITV and ITV Hub, 19th October 9:00pm A year on from winning a BAFTA award for his dance group Diversity's BLM inspired performance. Ashley Banjo explores Britain's relationship with race, opening up about his experiences of racism in the UK, and meeting with British civil rights activists and those who criticised his dance troop's performance on Britain's Got Talent. will.i.am: The Blackprint ITV and ITV Hub, 14th October 9:00pm African-American music producer and rapper, will.i.am explores what it means to be Black and British whilst comparing the experience to that of the USA. He meets members of the UK Black community from school children to trailblazers in technology. Uprising Streaming on BBC iplayer Acclaimed film director Steve McQueen's three-part documentary series focus on three key events in 1981 which significantly impacted race relations in the UK. The New Cross Fire, which killed 13 young British Caribbean people, the Black People's Day of Action, and the Brixton riots. With testimony from those who lived these traumatic and turbulent events, the series reveals how they intertwined and defined race relations for a generation. Spending Black Streaming on BBC iplayer until October 2022 Aaron Roach Bridgeman explores the concept of 'spending black' and its impact on the black community and on the businesses themselves. He meets businesses that have benefitted financially and culturally from consumers choosing to “spend black” and utilises the latest data to draw conclusions on who and in which areas people are choosing to “spend black”. Ultimately Aaron questions to what extent this surge in “spending black” will last? Could it really be the hope and tangible change that the young black community is looking for? Betty Campbell: Statue for a Heroine Streaming on BBC iplayer until 31st October 2021 Cerys Matthews presents the story of Wales’s first black head teacher, Betty Campbell, and the new statue that will honour her lifetime of remarkable achievements. Reflections on Race: Three Black Scientists You Need to Know Streaming on BBC iplayer until September 2021 "These three black scientists didn't only dream of a better future, but had the determination to make it a reality." Space scientist and broadcaster Maggie Aderin-Pocock selects three unsung heroes - one from the past, one from the present, and one up-and-coming - who she thinks deserve wider recognition. Salt, by Selina Thompson Streaming on BBC iplayer until October 2022 Performance artist Selina Thompson recreates her award-winning dramatic monologue about a journey she made by cargo ship to retrace the triangular route of the transatlantic slave trade. Poetic and deeply personal, Salt is part testimony, part performance and part excavation of collective memory through archive and music. Chi-chi Nwanoku on Samuel Colerdige-Taylor Streaming on Sky TV and Now TV Chineke! orchestra founder Chi-chi Nwanoku pays tribute to Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, the pioneering English composer of Sierra Leonean descent. Yorkshire Cop: Police, Racism and Me Streaming on All 4 from 18th October until 11th November 2021 Bill Thomas, the first Black male police officer in South Yorkshire, revisits 40 years of public service: the battles, the racism, and the friendships of a remarkable career Focusing on black talent.... Peckham's Finest ITV and ITV hub, launches from 20th October 2021 ITV launches a new reality show set in Peckham during Black History Month UK. Among the cast include social media personality Queen MoJo , Peckham-raised Ghanaian artists the Flag Twins , choreographer and personal trainer Gilly , model Isla Loba , BMXer Tre Whyte and radio host Teeshow . Big Age Streaming on All 4 Originally aired as part of Channel 4's Black to Front day on the 10th September 2021. Bolu Babalola's comedy about four young Black-British friends. Sade's 25th birthday gets off to a rocky start when she quits her job. So her best friend prescribes a day of decadent distraction. Highlife Streaming on All 4 Originally aired as part of Channel 4's Black to Front day on the 10th September 2021. This reality series follows the lives and loves of a group of ambitious, glamorous, young British West Africans who are all chasing their own idea of success. I May Destroy You Streaming on BBC iplayer Your chance to discover (or rewatch) Michaela Cole's groundbreaking drama about a young writer in the public eye who seeks to rebuild her life after being raped. Cole wrote, co-directed and executive produced the series and was the first Black womon to win an Emmy for best writing in a limited series or anthology.

As part of our Legacies of Action: Understanding 60 Years of Change and Challenge  Black History Month UK campaign, we explore the British Black Panthers, leaders of Britain’s Black Power movement. Their legacy of resistance, unity, and advocacy continues to shape racial justice today. The British Black Panther Movement was a pioneering organisation that fought for the rights of Black and Asian people in the United Kingdom during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Inspired by the U.S. Black Panther Party but unaffiliated with it, the British Panthers adopted the principle of political Blackness, uniting African, Caribbean, and South Asian activists in a shared struggle against racism, colonialism, and inequality. Founded in 1968, their story sits firmly within the theme Legacies of Action: Understanding 60 Years of Change and Challenge , reflecting a period when grassroots resistance reshaped Britain’s racial and social landscape. The movement emerged in Notting Hill, London, against a backdrop of growing racial tensions. Between 1961 and 1964, Britain’s Black population had tripled, increasing police harassment, discrimination, and hostility toward Caribbean and South Asian communities. At the forefront was Obi Egbuna, a Nigerian-born playwright and activist. Influenced by the global Black Power movement, he co-founded the British Black Panthers with figures including Darcus Howe, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Olive Morris , and Altheia Jones-LeCointe. Together they argued that Black was a political identity inclusive of all those oppressed by racism and imperialism. In December 1968, Egbuna was prosecuted under the Race Relations Act 1965 for incitement to racial hatred, following the publication of essays calling for resistance to police brutality. His arrest marked one of the first major uses of the Act to suppress radical Black activism in Britain. During his imprisonment, Altheia Jones-LeCointe, a Trinidad-born PhD student at the University of London, stepped in to lead the movement, later becoming one of its most respected figures. Under Jones-LeCointe’s leadership, the Panthers shifted their focus toward grassroots community activism. Alongside members such as Eddie Lecointe, Farrukh Dhondy, Mala Sen, and Neil Kenlock, they tackled racial discrimination in housing, education, employment, and policing. Women played a central role in the organisation. Figures such as Altheia Jones-LeCointe, Olive Morris, Barbara Beese, Liz Obi, Beverley Bryan, and Mala Sen led campaigns, ran educational programmes, and organised protests. Their efforts laid the groundwork for later feminist and anti-racist movements within Britain’s Black communities. Education and community empowerment were central to the Panthers’ work. They published newspapers such as Freedom News  and the Black People’s News Service , ran study groups, self-defence classes, youth programmes, and supplementary schools. Their striking imagery - black berets, leather jackets, and raised fists - symbolised unity and defiance, while also connecting them visually to global Black Power movements. The movement positioned itself within broader anti-imperialist struggles, displaying photographs of figures like Robert Williams, Ahmed Sékou Touré, and Che Guevara in their headquarters to emphasise global solidarity. One of the movement’s defining moments was the Mangrove Nine trial in 1970. The Mangrove, a Caribbean restaurant in Notting Hill run by Frank Crichlow, had become a hub for activists and intellectuals. Repeated police raids under false pretences sparked a protest in which nineteen demonstrators were arrested. Nine, including Altheia Jones-LeCointe, Darcus Howe, and Barbara Beese, were charged with inciting a riot. Representing themselves in court, they demanded an all-Black jury, invoking the Magna Carta. The Mangrove Nine were acquitted of the most serious charges, and for the first time, a judge publicly acknowledged evidence of racial hatred within the Metropolitan Police. This landmark trial exposed institutional racism and became a cornerstone of Britain’s civil rights history. The story of the Mangrove Nine reached new audiences through Steve McQueen’s film Mangrove  (2020), part of his Small Axe anthology . The film reinvigorated interest in the British Black Panthers among young people, highlighting their struggle and achievements. In 2017, the TV drama Guerrilla  attempted to depict Britain’s 1970s Black Power era but faced criticism for erasing the leadership of Black women. Liz Obi, an original member, wrote in The Guardian  that the portrayal was “unforgivable,” noting the misrepresentation of Black women leaders. The Panthers operated under heavy surveillance. The Special Branch’s Black Power Desk monitored and infiltrated Black organisations across the country, documenting protests, publications, and membership. Despite this, the movement expanded beyond London with branches in Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, and Nottingham. They offered legal support, organised community meetings, and campaigned against police brutality and restrictive immigration laws. Neil Kenlock, a photographer and member of the movement, documented protests, meetings, and daily life. His images now form a vital historical archive, preserved in exhibitions at Tate Britain, Photofusion, and the George Padmore Institute. These photographs provide rare insights into the organisation, its values, and the lived experience of Black British activism. Although the British Black Panthers disbanded by the early 1970s, their influence endures. They exposed institutional racism within British policing, media, and education, and inspired generations of activists. Their legacy lives on through supplementary schools, community archives, oral histories, and cultural memory, demonstrating the enduring power of solidarity, resistance, and grassroots activism in shaping Britain’s long struggle for racial justice. Sources https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Black_Panthers https://blackpast.org/global-african-history/british-black-panther-party-1968-1973/ https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/explore-the-collection/stories/british-black-panthers-hq/ Radio 4 – Archive on 4 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0007b0y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qeMgSVViHc https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/meet-one-of-the-british-black-panthers-who-inspired-guerrilla/

Check out our list of books to read and enjoy during this year's Black HistoryMonth UK that includes fiction and non-fiction titles. You can purchases any of the books listed in our IBHM Heritage shop on our IBHM Heritage shop , which helps support IBHM-UK website and independent bookshops. Diane Abbott - A Woman Like Me Our book of the month and the perfect companion to this year’s Black History Month UK theme of ‘Celebrating Changemakers.’ From challenging expectations as a bright and restless child of the Windrush generation to making history as the first elected Black female MP in the UK, Diane Abbott has seen it all. A Woman Like Me  takes readers through Diane’s incredible journey, painting a vivid picture of growing up in 1960s North London with her working-class Jamaican parents, before entering the hallowed halls of Cambridge University to study history. Ever since the day she first walked through the House of Commons as the first Black woman MP, she has been a fearless and vocal champion for the causes that have made Britain what it is today, whether it’s increasing access to education for Black children and speaking out against the Iraq war or advocating tirelessly for refugees and immigrants. A unique figure in British public life, Diane has often had nothing but the courage of her convictions to carry her through incredibly hostile environments, from torrential abuse in the mainstream media and on social media, to being shunned by the political establishment, including by her own party. Written with frankness and wry humour, A Woman Like Me is an inspirational account that celebrates how one woman succeeded against massive odds and built an extraordinary legacy. The List by Yomi Adegoke The debut novel of Yomi Adegoke was a Sunday Times bestseller and a Richard and Judy Book Club pick. In "The List," Yomi Adegoke delves into the complexities of modern womanhood through the story of a young woman grappling with societal expectations and personal ambition. After being handed a list of attributes she "should" possess, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, navigating relationships, career pressures, and cultural norms. Adegoke’s sharp wit and poignant insights reveal the struggles and triumphs of balancing identity and ambition in a world that often seeks to define women. The novel is a fresh and relatable exploration of empowerment and the quest for authenticity. Black History for Every Day of the Year by David Olusoga "Black History for Every Day of the Year" by David Olusoga offers a compelling exploration of Black history through 365 thought-provoking entries, one for each day. Each entry highlights significant figures, events, and cultural milestones, illustrating the richness and diversity of Black experiences across the globe. Olusoga weaves together stories of resistance, achievement, and influence, encouraging readers to reflect on the impact of Black history in shaping the present and future. This engaging and accessible anthology serves as both a celebration and an essential resource for understanding the contributions of Black individuals throughout history. Take a Hint Danny Brown by Talia Hibbert In "Take a Hint, Dani Brown," Talia Hibbert delivers a delightful romantic comedy centered on Dani Brown, a no-nonsense PhD student focused on her career and avoiding relationships. When a playful encounter with her friend Zaf, a charming security guard and former rugby player, goes viral, they enter a fake dating scenario to boost his charity efforts. As they navigate the challenges of their growing connection, Dani discovers the complexities of love, vulnerability, and trust. Hibbert’s sharp wit and dynamic characters create a heartwarming tale that explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the power of love. No Place Like Home: Family, Food and Finding Your Place by Charlene White In No Place Like Home , journalist, broadcaster and tv host Charlene White boldly shares her own story and understanding of home as a Jamaican Londoner exploring all the smells, memories and voices from her childhood. Alongside her personal story, White interviews eight individuals who give their perspectives on home and their experiences that are shaped by myriad events from difficult family situations to desperate political upheaval and war. No Place Like Home is a powerful and heartfelt exploration of family, food and finding your place, as well as the moments in history that have changed the way we feel about the simplest of terms: 'home'. Ordinary People by Diane Evans In "Ordinary People," Diane Evans weaves together the lives of diverse characters in contemporary Britain, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience as they navigate everyday struggles and the search for connection. Two couples find themselves at a moment of reckoning. Melissa has a new baby and doesn't want to let it change her. Damian has lost his father and intends not to let it get to him. Michael is still in love with Melissa but can't quite get close enough to her to stay faithful. Stephanie just wants to live a normal, happy life on the commuter belt with Damian and their three children, but his bereavement is getting in the way. Lemin Sissay - My Name is Why In "My Name Is Why," Lemn Sissay recounts his tumultuous upbringing in the British care system, revealing the profound impact of displacement and neglect. Separated from his family and enduring a series of foster placements, Sissay's journey is one of resilience and self-discovery. Through poetry and poignant storytelling, he explores themes of identity, belonging, and the quest for love. This powerful memoir sheds light on systemic failures while celebrating the strength of the human spirit and the importance of finding one's voice. Candice Brathwaite - Manifesto In "Manifesto," Candice Brathwaite passionately advocates for change, exploring themes of race, motherhood, and empowerment. Through personal anecdotes and cultural critique, she challenges societal norms and encourages Black women to embrace their voices. Brathwaite's powerful narrative serves as both a celebration of resilience and a call to action for future generations. Caleb Azumah Nelson - Small Worlds In "Small Worlds," Caleb Azumah Nelson explores the intertwined lives of two young Black artists in South London. As they navigate love, grief, and the complexities of their identities, the novel captures the beauty and fragility of human connections, emphasizing the impact of shared experiences and the quest for belonging. Zeinab Badawi - An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence In "An African History of Africa," Zeinab Badawi presents a comprehensive narrative tracing the continent's history from its ancient origins to the dawn of independence. Through rich storytelling and insightful analysis, she explores the diverse cultures, civilizations, and significant events that shaped Africa. Badawi emphasizes the resilience and contributions of African peoples, challenging stereotypes and offering a nuanced understanding of the continent's past. This engaging work serves as both an educational resource and a celebration of Africa's profound legacy. Maurice Burton & Paul Jones - The Maurice Burton Way - Britain’s first Black Cycling Champion In "The Maurice Burton Way," co-authored by Maurice Burton and Paul Jones, the story chronicles the life of Britain’s first Black cycling champion. Burton shares his journey from the challenges of a young Black athlete in a predominantly white sport to achieving national acclaim. The book highlights his dedication, resilience, and passion for cycling while addressing issues of race and representation in sports. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Burton inspires readers to pursue their dreams against all odds and embrace diversity in athletics. Jeffrey Boakye - Black, Listed: Black British Culture Explored In "Black, Listed: Black British Culture Explored," Jeffrey Boakye delves into the multifaceted landscape of Black British identity through a rich tapestry of personal experiences, cultural references, and historical context. He examines the complexities of race, representation, and belonging, using insightful commentary to explore the influence of music, literature, and film on Black British culture. Boakye's engaging prose invites readers to reflect on the nuances of identity and the importance of celebrating diverse narratives within contemporary British society, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage. You can purchases any of the books listed in our IBHM Heritage shop on IBHM Heritage shop , which helps support IBHM-UK website and independent bookshops. Disclosure: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org , whose fees support independent bookshops.

Check out our list of non-fiction books to read and enjoy during this year's Global Black History Month 2024. You can purchases any of the books listed in our IBHM Heritage shop on our IBHM Heritage shop , which helps support IBHM-UK website and independent bookshops. My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite Our book of the month is a wonderfully sharp and funny tale from Nigerian writer Oyinkan Braithwaite. Her debut novel revolves around sisters Ayoola and Korede living in Lagos, Nigeria. Ayoola is a stunningly gorgeous young woman who is notorious for killing her lovers and Korede is a fastidious nurse who helps cover up Ayoola's crimes. Until Ayoola starts dating the doctor where Korede works as a nurse and she isn’t prepared to see him wind up with a knife in his back, but to save one would mean sacrificing the other… Finding Me by Viola Davis An inspiring memoir that explores Viola’s childhood in poverty, her journey to Hollywood, and the importance of embracing one's true self. She offers a glimpse into the experiences that shaped her as a woman and an artist, and shares the lessons she learned along the way. Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley Nightcrawling details the story of seventeen-year-old Kiara Johnson, a young Black teenager who turns to sex work to pay her family's rent and care for the abandoned nine-year-old boy next door. Glory by NoViolet Bulawayo Inspired by George Orwell’s Animal Farm, Glory is set in the animal kingdom of Jidada. After a 40-year rule, the “Old Horse” is ousted in a coup, along with his much-despised wife, a donkey named Marvellous. At first there was great rejoicing and hope for change under a new ruling horse, Tuvius Delight Shasha (the former vice-president turned rival of Old Horse). Hope, however, quickly vanishes and into the period of post-coup despair steps a young goat named Destiny, who returns from exile to bear witness to a land where greed, corruption and false prophets are rampant. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw An award-winning, deliciously rebellious short story collection that teems with feeling, The Secret Lives of Church Ladies follows a cast of Black women navigating social pressure, the hurdles and joys of being in love, and joyous respites from being ‘good’. There is fourteen-year-old Jael, who nurses a crush on the preacher's wife; the mother who bakes a sublime peach cobbler every Monday for her date with the married Pastor; and Eula and Caroletta, single childhood friends who seek solace in each other's arms every New Year's Eve. With their secret longings, new love, and forbidden affairs, these church ladies are as seductive as they want to be, as vulnerable as they need to be, as unfaithful and unrepentant as they care to be, and as free as they deserve to be.  Thicker than Water by Kerry Washington Thicker than Water is a moving and honest story of how her parents huge secret effect her even before she knew that they had a secret. Kerry has had to deal with sexual abuse, eating disorders, self esteem issues and constant feeling that something was off in her life. Kerry Washington is an intensely private person. The Gilded Ones - Gilded by Namina Forna The first book in the best-selling fantasy series in an ancient West-African inspired world, in which girls are outcasts by blood and warriors by choice. Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs. Leslie F*ucking Jones: A Memoir by Leslie Jones In this audacious memoir, Leslie Jones opens up for the first time about how she faltered and triumphed on the road to success and, in doing so, encourages others to let go of the fear and self-doubt that has holds them back. Leslie F*cking Jones is a love letter to regular people just trying to make it day to day. The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa Mia Sosa delivers a hilarious enemies-to-lovers romance about wedding planner Lina and her ex-fiance’s brother Max and about opening yourself up to a chance at love.  Wedding coordinator Carolina Santos is left at the altar. Three years later, she has an opportunity to win a dream job. She is assigned a marketing specialist - Max Hartwell, her former fiancé's brother and she loathes him. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler Parable of the Sower (1993) is the story of Lauren Olamina, a young woman who lives in a near-future dystopian California. When her home community succumbs to the destructive forces of the world around it, Lauren is forced onto the road in search of a new life. You can purchases any of the books listed in our IBHM Heritage shop on IBHM Heritage shop , which helps support IBHM-UK website and independent bookshops. Disclosure: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org , whose fees support independent bookshops.

Check out our list of books to read and enjoy during this year's Black HistoryMonth UK that includes fiction and non-fiction titles. You can purchases any of the books listed in our IBHM Heritage shop on our IBHM Heritage shop , which helps support IBHM-UK website and independent bookshops. Britons Through Negro Spectacles by Augustus B.C. Merriman-Labour Our book of the month and the perfect companion to this year’s Black History Month UK theme of ‘Before Windrush,’ Part of the Black Britain, Writing Back Complete Collection curated by Booker Prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo. Merriman-Labour book was originally published in 1909. It’s a riotous, witty travelogue documenting the authors’ experience in Britain in the early 1900s, from an African perspective. In his book, Augustus narrates a day spent accompanying a newly arrived African friend around London. Part travelogue, part reverse ethnology, and part spoof of books by ill-informed ‘Africa experts.’ He slyly subverts the colonial gaze usually place on Africa, and introduces readers to the citizens, culture and customs of Britain with a mischievous glint in his eye. His jokes at the expense of the British attracted condemnation, and the book’s commercial failure push Augustus into bankruptcy. This incredible work of social commentary feels a century ahead of it time, and provides unique insights into the intersection between empire, race and community at this important moment in history. That Reminds Me by David Owusu The debut novel of David Owusu and the first novel to be published by Stormzy’s publishing imprint, Merky Books, tells the story of K, a boy born to Ghanian parents in London. Baby K is place in foster care and grows up relatively happily, he thinks in the countryside. When K is eleven, he returns to his birth family, and to a very different context of working-class British Ghanaian life in 1990s Tottenham. Slowly he finds friends. Eventually, he finds love. He learns how to navigate the city. But as he grows, he begins to realise that he needs more than the city can provide. He is a man made of pieces. Pieces that are slowly breaking apart. That Reminds Me is the story of one young man, from birth to adulthood, told in fragments of memory. It explores questions of identity, belonging, addiction, sexuality, violence, family and religion. It is a deeply moving and completely original work of literature from one of the brightest British writers of today. Keisha the Sket by Jade LB In 2005, a 13-year-old with no internet wrote a series of stories about life in London’s ends that ended up going viral – then, she disappeared. Now in print for the first time, Keisha the Sket tells the story of sharp, feisty and ambitious girl who been labelled ‘top sket’ but she’s making it work. When childhood crush and long-time admirer, Ricardo, finally wins her over, Keisha has it all: power, a love life and the chance for stability. But trauma comes knocking and with it a whirlwind of choices that will define what kind of a woman she truly wants to be. Complete with essays from esteemed contemporary writers Candice Carty-Williams, Caleb Femi and others, this is the complete and defining edition with edits and additional content from the author, perfect for readers - existing and new - to read and fall in love with over and over again. The Terrible by Yrsa Daley-Ward Yrsa Daley-Ward’s book, The Terrible (subtitled as a ‘storyteller’s memoir’) does not run across the pages like a traditional work of creative nonfiction. She has devised a form that combines first and third person, poetry and prose, upside-down printing, and streams-of-consciousness about sexuality and physicality that sometimes make for difficult reading. Essentially, this is the story of Yrsa, the child of a Jamaican mother and Nigerian father who grows up in a northern English market town with her beloved brother, Little Roo. Early on, she realises that her body is dangerous, and she and Roo are shipped off to live with their Seventh Day Adventist grandparents – something to do with a blue nightdress, and Marcia’s latest boyfriend. The power of sex, and the fear of it, are palpable. The Terrible is a coming-of-age story that follows Yrsa from childhood to the loss of her mother, her love of her brother, her coming out, and her recognition of the ways trauma has caused her to zoom in and out of presence. For those who’ve experienced PTSD, the splits of narrative into poetry make intuitive sense. They enact the experience of being fragmented by something larger than yourself. Of occupying the world as an Other. That Moment When: Life Stories from Way Back Then by Mo Gilligan You might know Mo as the critically acclaimed stand-up comedian, BAFTA-winning presenter, Masked Singer judge and social media mega star. But do you know the moments that really made him? Opening up on the turning points, the good times, the challenges and the lessons learned, this is Mo as you've never seen him before. Journeying through childhood memories in South London, Mo reminisces about school days and old-school raving, and takes us behind the scenes of his first comedy gigs, the creation of the original Geezer, selling out national tours and becoming one of TV's most in-demand stars. Share the moment that Mo decided he wanted to be a comedian, the moment he went viral, the moment he realised he was famous (and how to deal with it), the moment his Netflix special dropped, the moment he won his BAFTA and the moments he still has to come. In among the laugh-out-loud observations, life lessons and candid storytelling, there lies the bigger influences in Mo's life - the unsung heroes of the Black British comedy scene, the power of community and the feel-good legacy he wants to create. The Fraud by Zadie Smith Renowned writer Zadie Smith latest work is her first historical novel and is loosely based around the famous Tichborne Trial of the early 19th century. It’s an interweaving tale of Scottish housekeeper Mrs Eliza Touchet, a once famous novelist William Ainsworth, and star witness Andrew Bogle. Mrs Touchet is a woman of many interests: literature, justice, abolitionism, class, her cousin, his wives, this life and the next. But she is also sceptical. She suspects her cousin of having no talent; his successful friend, Mr Charles Dickens, of being a bully and a moralist; and England of being a land of facades, in which nothing is quite what it seems. Andrew Bogle meanwhile grew up enslaved on the Hope Plantation, Jamaica. He knows every lump of sugar comes at a human cost. That the rich deceive the poor. And that people are more easily manipulated than they realise. When Bogle finds himself in London, star witness in a celebrated case of imposture, he knows his future depends on telling the right story. The 'Tichborne Trial' captivates Mrs Touchet and all of England. Is Sir Roger Tichborne really who he says he is? Or is he a fraud? Mrs Touchet is a woman of the world. Mr Bogle is no fool. But in a world of hypocrisy and self-deception, deciding what is real proves a complicated task. Settlers: Journeys Through the Food, Faith and Culture of Black African London by Jimi Famurewa Daniel Kaluuya and Skepta; John Boyega and Little Simz; Edward Enninful and Bukayo Saka - everywhere you look, across the fields of sport, business, fashion, the arts and beyond, there are the descendants of Black African families that were governed by many of the same immutable, shared traditions. In his book Jimi Famurewa, a British-Nigerian journalist, journeys into the hidden yet vibrant world of African London. Seeking to understand the ties that bind Black African Londoners together and link them with their home countries, he visits their places of worship, roams around markets and restaurants, attends a traditional Nigerian engagement ceremony, shadows them on their morning journeys to far-flung grammar schools and listens to stories from shopkeepers and activists, artists and politicians. But this isn't just the story of energetic, ambitious Londoners. Jimi also uncovers a darker side, of racial discrimination between White and Black communities and, between Black Africans and Afro-Caribbeans. He investigates the troublesome practice of 'farming' in which young Black Nigerians were sent to live with White British foster parents, examines historic interaction with the police, and reveals the friction between traditional Black African customs and the stresses of modern life in diaspora. This is a vivid new portrait of London, and of modern Britain. Just Sayin’ by Malorie Blackman Malorie Blackman OBE is one of Britain's best loved and most widely-read writers. For over thirty years, her books have helped to shape British culture, and inspired generations of younger readers and writers. The Noughts and Crosses series, started in 2000, sparked a new and necessary conversation about race and identity in the UK, and are already undisputed classics of twenty-first-century children's literature. She is also a writer whose own life has been shaped by books, from her childhood in south London, the daughter of parents who moved to Britain from Barbados as part of the Windrush Generation, and who experienced a childhood that was both wonderful and marred by the everyday racism and bigotry of the era. She was told she could not apply to study her first love, literature, at university, in spite of her academic potential, but found a way to books and to a life in writing against a number of obstacles. This book is an account of that journey, from a childhood surrounded by words, to the 83 rejection letters she received in response to sending out her first project, to the children's laureateship. It explores the books who have made her who she is, and the background to some the most beloved and powerful children's stories of today. It is an illuminating, inspiring and empowering account of the power of words to change lives, and the extraordinary life story of one of the world's greatest writers. Wahala: Three friends, three ‘perfect’ lives. Here Comes Trouble by Nikki May Ronke, Simi and Boo are three mixed-race friends living in London. They have the gift of two cultures, Nigerian and English, though they don't all choose to see it that way. Everyday racism has never held them back, but now in their 30s, they question their future. Ronke wants a husband (he must be Nigerian); Boo enjoys (correction: endures) stay-at-home motherhood; while Simi, full of fashion career dreams, rolls her eyes as her boss refers to her 'urban vibe' yet again. When Isobel, a lethally glamorous friend from their past, arrives in town, she is determined to fix their futures for them. Cracks in their friendship begin to appear, and it is soon obvious Isobel is not sorting but wrecking. When she is driven to a terrible act, the women are forced to reckon with a crime in their past that may just have repeated itself. This is Not America: Why Black Lives in Britain Matter by Tomiwa Owolade Across the West, racial injustice has become a matter of urgency. Terms like 'critical race theory' and 'intersectionality' are everywhere and, in the rush to get it right, Britain has followed the lead of the world's dominant political power: America. But what if we've been looking in the wrong place? In This is Not America, Tomiwa Owolade argues that too much of the debate around racism in Britain is viewed through the prism of American ideas that don't reflect the history, challenges and achievements of black communities at home. Humane, empirical and passionate, this book promises to start a new conversation around race and, vitally, shed light on black British life today. You can purchases any of the books listed in our IBHM Heritage shop on IBHM Heritage shop , which helps support IBHM-UK website and independent bookshops. Disclosure: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org , whose fees support independent bookshops.

Check out our list of books to read and enjoy during this year's Black HistoryMonth UK that includes fiction and non-fiction titles. You can purchases any of the books listed in our IBHM Heritage shop on our IBHM Heritage shop , which helps support IBHM-UK website and independent bookshops. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadette Evaristo The perfect companion to our Sharing Journeys campaign for this year’s Black History Month UK and our book of the month! Tracking the lives and loves of 12 characters, most of them Black British women, through generations and social classes, Girl, Woman, Other weaves a distinctive, illuminating tapestry of modern British life. Bridging the gap between short story and novel, each character has their own chapter. Within the chapters, their lives sometimes overlap but their choices could not be more different. They include Amma, a lesbian socialist playwright, Windrush wife and mother Winsome, and mixed raced Hattie who finds love with an African American soldier in 1940s England. A Black Boy in Eton by Dillibe Onyeama Dillibe was the second black boy to study at Eton - joining in 1965 - and the first to complete his education there. Written at just 21, this is a deeply personal, revelatory account of the racism he endured during his time as a student at the prestigious institution. He tells in vivid detail of his own background as the son of a Nigerian judge at the International Court of Justice at The Hague, of his arrival at the school, of the curriculum, of his reception by other boys (and masters), and of his punishments. He tells, too, of the cruel racial prejudice and his reactions to it, and of the alienation and stereotyping he faced at such a young age. A title in the Black Britain: Writing Back series - selected by Booker Prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo, this series rediscovers and celebrates pioneering books depicting black Britain that remap the nation. The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed Nadifa Mohamed’s third novel reimagines the real-life story of the Somali seaman who was wrongfully executed for murder in Wales. Mahmood Mattan is a fixture in Cardiff's Tiger Bay, 1952, which bustles with Somali and Caribbean sailors, Maltese businessmen and Jewish families. He is a father, chancer, and some-time petty thief. He is many things, in fact, but he is not a murderer. So when a shopkeeper is brutally killed and all eyes fall on him, Mahmood isn't too worried. It is true that he has been getting into trouble more often since his Welsh wife Laura left him. But Mahmood is secure in his innocence in a country where, he thinks, justice is served. It is only in the run-up to the trial, as the prospect of freedom dwindles, that it will dawn on Mahmood that he is in a terrifying fight for his life - against conspiracy, prejudice and the inhumanity of the state. And, under the shadow of the hangman's noose, he begins to realise that the truth may not be enough to save him. It takes Blood and Guts by Skin with Lucy O’Brien Pioneering singer and frontwoman of rock bank Skunk Anansie tells us how she fought poverty and prejudice to become one of the most influential women in British rock. 'It's been a very difficult thing being a lead singer of a rock band looking like me and it still is. I have to say it's been a fight and it will always be a fight. That fight drives you and makes you want to work harder... It's not supposed to be easy, particularly if you're a woman, you're black or you are gay like me. You've got to keep moving forward, keep striving for everything you want to be.' Born to Jamaican parents, Skin grew up in Brixton in the 1970s. Her career as an artist began in the '90s, when Skunk Anansie was formed in the sweat-drenched backrooms of London's pubs. Since then she has headlined Glastonbury and toured the world, both as the lead singer of Skunk Anansie and as a solo artist. Her success has been ground-breaking in every way, which has come at a personal cost. She has always been vocal about social and cultural issues, and was championing LGBTQ+ rights at a time when few artists were out and gay. A Visible Man by Edward Enninful I set out to bring the 'othered' to the table. We're here to inspire and give people something to dream about as well as a sense of the possible here and now. A Visible Man traces an astonishing journey into one of the world's most exclusive industries. Edward Enninful candidly shares how as a Black, gay, working-class refugee, he found in fashion not only a home, but the freedom to share with people the world as he saw it. Written with style, grace and heart, this is the story of a visionary who changed not only an industry, but how we understand beauty. When Edward Enninful became the first Black editor-in-chief of British Vogue, few at the heights of the elitist world of fashion wanted to confront how it failed to represent the world we live in. But Edward, a champion of inclusion throughout his life, rapidly changed that. Now, whether it's putting first responders, octogenarians or civil rights activists on the cover of Vogue, or championing designers and photographers of colour, Edward Enninful has cemented his status as one of the world's most important change-makers. And he's just getting started. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams Published on a wave of critical acclaim – and breathless enthusiasm from our booksellers – Candice Carty-Williams’ luminous debut is a joy-filled, painfully funny coming-of-age story set in modern Britain. Fabulous but flawed, defiant but vulnerable, Queenie Jenkins is one of the great fictional creations of the twenty-first century, and her story is, by turns, hilariously funny, dramatic and movingly tender. Caught between the Jamaican British family who don’t seem to understand her, a job that’s not all it promised and a man she just can’t get over, Queenie’s life seems to be steadily spiralling out of control. Desperately trying to navigate her way through a hot mess of shifting cultures and toxic relationships and emerge with a shred of dignity, her missteps and misadventures will provoke howls of laughter and tears of pity – frequently on the same page. Tackling issues as diverse as mental health, race, class and consent with a light yet sure touch, Queenie is refreshingly candid, delightfully compassionate and bracingly real. The perfect fable for a frenetic and confusing time, Carty-Williams’ stellar novel is undoubtedly one of the year’s most exciting debuts and announces its author as a fresh and vibrant new voice in British literature. Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola In this heart-warming romantic comedy, the sharp-tongued (and secretly soft-hearted) Kiki Banjo is an expert in relationship-evasion, and likes to keep her feelings close to her chest. As the host of the popular student radio show, Brown Sugar, it is her mission to make sure the women who make up the Afro-Caribbean Society at Whitewell University also do not fall into the mess of 'situationships', players and heartbreak. But when Kiki meets the distressingly handsome and charming newcomer Malakai Korede - who she has publicly denounced as 'The Wasteman of Whitewell' - her defences are weakened and her heart is compromised. A clash embroils them in a fake relationship to salvage both their reputations and save their futures, and soon she finds herself in danger of falling for the very man she warned her girls about. The Day I Fell Off My Island by Yvonne Bailey-Smith The debut novel of Yvonne Bailey-Smith, mother to the award-winning and acclaimed writer, Zadie Smith, tells the story of a young girl who travels to England to be reunited with her family after the death of her grandmother. The Day I Fell Off My Island tells the story of Erna Mullings, a teenage Jamaican girl uprooted from her island following the sudden death of her beloved grandmother. When Erna is sent to England to be reunited with her siblings, she dreads leaving behind her elderly grandfather, and the only life she has ever known. A new future unfolds, in a strange country and with a mother she barely knows. The next decade will be a complex journey of estrangement and arrival, new beginnings, and the uncovering of long-buried secrets. The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins Sara Collins’ The Confessions of Frannie Langton takes place in 1826 London, and tells the story of Frannie, a maid to the wealthy Mr. and Mrs. Benham — and the prime suspect for their murder. Collins writes from Frannie’s point of view, centering the protagonist in her own story as she is put on trial for the murders. Tracing Frannie’s life from a Jamaican plantation to Georgian London, this ambitious novel introduces a bold new voice to the period novel genre. Nice Racism: How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm by Robin Diangelo Racism is not a simple matter of good people versus bad. In White Fragility, Robin DiAngelo explained how racism is a system into which all white people are socialized. She also made a provocative claim: that white progressives cause the most daily harm to people of colour. In Nice Racism, her follow-up work, she explains how they do so. Drawing on her background as a sociologist and over twenty-five years working as an antiracist educator, she moves the conversation forward. Writing directly to white people as a white person, DiAngelo identifies many common racial patterns and breaks down how well-intentioned white people unknowingly perpetuate racial harm. These patterns include rushing to prove that we are 'not racist'; downplaying white advantage; romanticizing Black, Indigenous and other peoples of colour; pretending white segregation 'just happens'; expecting BIPOC people to teach us about racism; carefulness; and shame. She challenges the ideology of Individualism and explains why it is OK to generalize about white people, and demonstrates how white people who experience other oppressions still benefit from systemic racism. Writing candidly about her own missteps and struggles, she models a path forward, encouraging white readers to continually face their complicity and embrace courage, lifelong commitment and accountability. You can purchases any of the books listed in our IBHM Heritage shop on Bookshop.org , which helps support IBHM-UK website and independent bookshops. Disclosure: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org , whose fees support independent bookshops.

Angela M explains Black History Month UK and how to celebrate this October. October marks the start of Black History Month UK – a time to celebrate and remember African and Caribbean heritage peoples' achievements and contributions to the British economy, culture, and history. It's a chance to tell the stories of those lesser well-known Black Britons who we will forget if we don't showcase them. What is Black History Month UK? Black History Month UK began in October 1987 by Akyaaba Sebo, a special projects coordinator of the Ethnic Minorities Unit at the now defunct Great London Council. He wanted to boost the self-esteem of Black British children and young adults by educating them on the long history and achievements of Black people living in the UK. Taking inspiration from Black History Month (also known as African American History Month) in the United States. The first event was held on 1 October 1987 at County Hall and was attended by American historian Dr. Maulana Karenga, who founded the African American holiday of Kwanzaa; and Kenyan women’s activist Wanjiru Kihoro. It has since evolved into a national movement recognised by the British government and observed throughout the UK. It is also recognised in other parts of the world during October in Ireland and the Netherlands. In the US, where Black History Month originated, the awareness month is held in February. It is also celebrated in Canada in February too when it was officially recognised in 1995. Since the 1990s, the significance of Black History Month has gradually increased throughout continental Europe and it is now observed in Germany and Belgium in February.  What are the origins of Black History Month? In 1926, African-American historian Carter G Woodson  started national Negro History Week   to advocate for the inclusion of American Black History in the US national public education system. Over time, and with the momentum and support of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, the week gradually morphed into the month it is today. In 1976, US Black History Month (or African American Month as it’s now regularly referred to) was officially recognised by President Gerald Ford. Why is it celebrated at different times across the globe? After visiting America in the 1970s, Addai-Sebo created a British version of Black History Month in 1987, but they are not officially linked. In the United States, Black History Month takes place in February to coincide with the births of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.  Addai-Sebo chose to celebrate Black History Month UK in October because of the month's importance in the African calendar. More importantly, it was the start of the British academic year. Why should we separate Black History Month celebrations in the US and UK? When Black History Month UK started in the UK, there was a big emphasis on African American history. Over time the focus has moved to celebrating and recognising Black British history  and key Black figures in the UK. It’s important also that we focus only on British Black history as the Black British community is a composite of peoples with different cultures and identities. Some individuals with a lineage beginning long before the Windrush generation and others with distinct and very different cultures rooted in the African and Caribbean continents. Why do we celebrate Black History Month UK 2025?  This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act in Britain, a landmark law created to outlaw racial discrimination. Yet six decades later, the UK is once again grappling with social tensions that echo the 1950s and 1960s when the Act was first introduced. Today’s Britain is more diverse, with stronger legal protections and greater representation, but divisive rhetoric around immigration and warnings of unrest feel like unsettling reminders of the past.   In July 2025, The Guardian  reported on research by the thinktank British Future and the Belong Network which warned that, a year on from last summer’s riots, Britain could face renewed unrest unless urgent action is taken to tackle polarisation and division. These concerns have been fuelled further by political rhetoric. Keir Starmer’s claim that “uncontrolled” migration caused “incalculable” harm drew sharp criticism from civil rights groups including the Black Equity Organisation and the Muslim Council of Britain, who warned that such language erodes trust and fuels racism.   All of this shows why Black History Month 2025 carries such weight. It is not only a time to honour the contributions and achievements of Black Britons past and present but also an opportunity to confront the inequalities and prejudices that persist today.   Black History Month UK reminds us that our history is shared, and it must be told in full. It is a chance to celebrate resilience and excellence while recommitting ourselves to the ongoing fight for racial justice, equality and inclusion. Do we really need Black History Month UK?  Some campaigners argue against the existence and usefulness of the month as they believe it marginalizes UK Black history and that it should, rightly, be remembered all year round. Organisations such as The Black Curriculum  are working hard to address the lack of Black British history in the UK curriculum through campaigning, training teachers, and delivering Black history programmes. While the Black Cultural Archives (BCA) , an archive and heritage centre in Brixton, London, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the histories of African and Caribbean descendants in Britain. But Black History Month UK, like many other national and international events, provides us with an opportunity to remember individuals and events that would never be included in a racially inclusive national curriculum and would remain forgotten to the annals of time. What are the aims of Black History Month in the UK? Celebrate and recognise the achievements of African and Caribbean heritage people's role in helping to shape UK culture, history, and economic development. Educating the UK population on how the relationships between Britain, Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States helped create modern Britain. To encourage government, institutions, and corporations to embrace and adopt equality and diversity policies. What is the theme of Black History Month UK 2025?  Our  theme for Black History Month UK 2025 is ‘Legacies with Action: Understanding 60 Years of Change and Challenge’ .   2025 marks 60 years since the UK’s first Race Relations Act, a landmark moment in the ongoing journey towards racial justice and equality.   Throughout the month, we will explore key moments in UK history that led to the passing of this historic bill.   We will highlight leading civil rights groups, including the Campaign Against Racial Discrimination (CARD), the Black British Panthers, and the Black Parents Movement, who challenged injustice, fought for equality, and helped shape the legislation that followed.   We will also celebrate notable Black Britons such as Jocelyn Barrow, Mollie Hunt, Liz Obi, and Bernard Coard.   We encourage the UK Black community to commemorate the month by sharing their own family histories using the hashtag #bhmfamilies How can I celebrate Black History Month UK 2025? Black History Month is an excellent opportunity for people from all backgrounds to educate themselves on Black Britain’s history and the often-overlooked people who have made a difference to the country. There are a variety of ways you can observe the month: Attend any of the hundreds of events taking place up and down the country to commemorate Black History Month. Show your support online by sharing our Black History Month UK post on your social media channel during the month. Take on the #BHMFamilies  selfie challenge  Why not watch our '10 ways to celebrate Black History Month UK’' video for more ideas? How should educational organisations and business corporations recognise the month? The theme of Black History Month UK 2025 is ‘Legacies with Action: Understanding 60 Years of Change and Challenge,’  and we advise any schools and colleges interested in exploring the topic in greater detail to visit The Black Curriculum website or attend Black Cultural Archive (BCA) , which have an extensive range of educational resources relating to the theme. We encourage business corporations to provide a safe space for all individuals who wish to commemorate the month in which stories can be shared – personal experiences and/or inspiring stories. But to also remember that not everybody may want to be involved in your Black History Month planning simply because of their ethnic background. Such assumptions place the burden of responsibility on them, and if they’re a visible minority in your workplace, they might feel tokenized about their role in your workplace. Remember, for best results, you should be recognizing all your employees, all year round!  Companies are also advised to run a diversity and inclusion audit of their business – and perhaps book a Black keynote speaker to provide advice on making their workplaces more racially inclusive.  Who is the International Black History Month UK (IBHM-UK) organisation? The International Black History Month UK (IBHM-UK) was created in June 2020 by a group of Black Britons with a passion for investigating and curating the hidden and forgotten stories of Britain’s black past. We’re committed to raising the profile of the month amongst the African, Caribbean and Black British community in the UK. As one of our young volunteer interns explains: “Neither my primary or secondary schools celebrated Black History Month UK and I had to learn about UK Black History myself. So, I think it’s important that an organisation like this exists to fill the gaps in knowledge that many people in the UK’s African and Caribbean community may have about Britain’s black past. Our community is not a monolith, and we all have different lived experiences. BHMUK allows us all to reflect and celebrate on all the different aspects of British Black history from finding out about awe inspiring individuals like Dr Harold Moody and John Blanke to the legislative changes in UK law championed by the Windrush generation." For too long, Black History Month UK has lacked direction and focus. We decided to step into that space to ensure that this important month has a clear message and theme. Our CEO, Angela says: “I have a young son who was tasked with choosing a notable Black Briton for a school assignment and I was shocked to learn that the only resources available was a listings website with poorly researched articles and filled to the brim with job adverts. We set up this organisation to ensure that quality information and free resources are available to everyone who wants to learn about UK Black History. And more importantly, that the stories of Black Britons are told in an authentic voice that belongs to us and not someone masquerading as one of us!“ We are a local community group that provides free resources on UK Black History and hope to run themed Black UK history events in 2025 and beyond.

On Friday 15 August, a historic billboard was unveiled on Ladbroke Grove to honour Kelso Cochrane, an Antiguan-born carpenter whose racially motivated murder in 1959 became a turning point in Black British history and helped pave the way for the creation of Notting Hill Carnival. The initiative was led by Black history educator Kayne Kawasaki in partnership with BlackHistoryandme . Earlier this year, Kawasaki launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for what he calls the “Notting Hill Carnival Billboard Takeover” , designed to highlight Carnival’s founding figures and ensure its roots are never forgotten. Cochrane, who was just 32 at the time of his death, was attacked by white youths on Southam Street in Notting Hill on 17 May 1959. His murder remains unsolved to this day. The shock and injustice of his killing became a catalyst for community organising and directly contributed to the establishment of Notting Hill Carnival, a celebration born out of both grief and resistance. The new billboard is located at the Sainsbury’s roundabout on Ladbroke Grove, one of the busiest points on the Carnival route. It displays a striking image of Cochrane alongside a powerful quote from the late activist Darcus Howe: “If there weren’t race riots in Notting Hill I don’t believe that we would have had the Notting Hill Carnival. If it wasn’t for the murder of Kelso Cochrane, Carnival wouldn’t have happened.” In an interview with The Voice  newspaper earlier this year, Kawasaki explained that the idea stemmed from the annual online debates about Carnival losing touch with its history. “If we continue on that trajectory, we risk losing not only the importance of Notting Hill Carnival, we risk losing Notting Hill Carnival itself. Rather than just talking about it, I wanted to walk the walk.” More than 100 people attended the unveiling, including members of Kelso Cochrane’s family who also addressed the crowd. The event was a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, with live steelpan music, a performance by Calypsonian Alexander D. Great , and food from local vendors such as Flake Bake Patties and PureCane Juice. It was realised through a collaboration with Acexchange , an organisation powered by British professional boxer Anthony Joshua. Kawasaki’s campaign quickly captured public imagination. He secured the £2,000 billboard space in just a day and a half through donations, after initially borrowing the money from his mother to lock in the site. He has since revealed bigger ambitions, including bus shelter takeovers and a long-term goal of a Westfield White City billboard dedicated to Carnival’s history. “Notting Hill Carnival is a story with many authors. This billboard is just the beginning. As we go forward, I want to make sure all the founding figures are honoured.” The billboard will remain in place for two weeks, from 15 to 26 August, throughout the Carnival period. Visitors are encouraged to stop by, take photos, and share them on social media to help raise awareness of Carnival’s origins and the legacy of Kelso Cochrane. This unveiling comes at a crucial moment, as Notting Hill Carnival continues to face negative media scrutiny each year. By reclaiming the narrative, the campaign ensures that Carnival’s true roots in resilience, resistance and cultural pride remain firmly in the public eye. Congratulations to Kayne Kawasaki, everyone who donated, and the family of Kelso Cochrane for making this historic moment possible.

Reverend Clive Foster MBE has been appointed as the UK’s first Windrush Commissioner. This marks a significant step in the government’s commitment to rectify the injustices of the Windrush scandal. It ensures that victims' voices are heard at every stage of reform. The announcement comes just ahead of Windrush Day on 22 June. This day commemorates 77 years since the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush and celebrates the extraordinary contributions of the Windrush generation to Britain. A New Independent Role for Change The Windrush Commissioner is a new, independent role created to oversee the government’s response to the scandal. Reverend Foster will serve a three-year term, working three days a week. His primary responsibility will be to hold the government accountable, especially regarding the Windrush Compensation Scheme. He will ensure that the promised cultural and systemic changes are implemented across Whitehall. “I’m honoured to take on the role,” said Reverend Foster. “Justice must be delivered — not just in words but through real, visible change. The Windrush generations gave so much to this country and deserve better than the treatment they received.” A Personal Connection to the Windrush Story Reverend Foster is a senior pastor at Pilgrim Church in Nottingham. He is a long-time community leader, campaigner, and the founder of the Nottingham Windrush Support Forum. His parents migrated from Jamaica in 1959, giving him direct ties to the Windrush generation. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Windrush National Organisation. “The injustices faced by the Windrush generations must never be repeated,” he said. “That means action, accountability, and reform. I will carry out this role independently and ensure scrutiny leads to real improvement.” Government Response Under Pressure The Windrush scandal came to light in 2018. It revealed that hundreds of long-settled Commonwealth citizens had been wrongly detained, deported, or denied access to work, housing, and healthcare. Despite being invited to Britain legally between 1948 and 1971, many were unable to prove their status due to a lack of official documentation. The consequences were devastating. People lost their homes, jobs, healthcare access, and, in some cases, their liberty. The government’s response, particularly the Windrush Compensation Scheme, has faced criticism for being slow, bureaucratic, and inadequate. Campaigners have long called for an independent process, noting that at least 64 claimants have died before receiving any compensation. Rebuilding Trust, Delivering Justice The new Labour government has pledged to expedite justice for victims of the Windrush scandal. They aim to ensure that the mistakes of the past are never repeated, as outlined in their election manifesto. Alongside Reverend Foster’s appointment, they have re-established the Windrush Unit and committed £1.5 million in new funding to assist individuals in navigating the compensation process. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated, “The Windrush generations are part of the fabric of our nation. This government is absolutely determined to right the wrongs they suffered. I’m delighted to welcome Reverend Clive Foster as our Windrush Commissioner. His lived experience, deep community roots, and dedication to justice make him the right person to lead this work.” A Role to Honour and Celebrate While focused on securing justice, Reverend Foster also sees this role as an opportunity to honour the Windrush legacy. “The Windrush generations should not be defined by a scandal,” he said. “They should be recognised for their strength, resilience, and incredible contributions to the UK. Now is the time to celebrate and uplift that story.” The Importance of the Windrush Legacy The Windrush generation has played a pivotal role in shaping modern Britain. Their contributions span various sectors, including healthcare, education, and the arts. Recognising their impact is essential for fostering a more inclusive society. Celebrating Contributions The achievements of the Windrush generation deserve recognition. From the NHS to the arts, their influence is profound. Celebrating these contributions can help heal the wounds of the past and promote unity. Moving Forward Together As the UK moves forward, it is crucial to learn from the Windrush scandal. Ensuring that such injustices do not occur again requires collective effort. It involves listening to the voices of those affected and implementing meaningful reforms. Conclusion Reverend Clive Foster's appointment as the Windrush Commissioner is a significant step towards justice and accountability. It represents a commitment to honouring the Windrush legacy and ensuring that the contributions of this generation are celebrated. The journey towards healing and recognition is ongoing, but with dedicated individuals like Reverend Foster at the helm, there is hope for a brighter future. Photo Credit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/reverend-clive-foster-appointed-as-first-windrush-commissioner

Marion Patrick Jones (also known by her married names Marion Glean and later Marion O'Callaghan) was born in 1934 in the middle-class suburb of Woodbrook in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Woodbrook was a diverse, multi-racial area, home to families with education or skilled trades, many of whom aspired to emulate British social norms. Her father, Patrick Jones, was of Chinese and mixed African-European heritage, was a leading Trinidadian trade unionist, as well as a renowned calypsonian and Carnival bandleader. He was known as “Cromwell, the Lord Protector,” and is credited with singing the first political calypso song in 1920. Like many aspirational families in Woodbrook, Marion was sent to a reputable Christian school. She attended St Joseph’s Convent School – an exclusive Roman Catholic girls’ school run by Irish nuns - where she won the Girls’ Open Island Scholarship in 1950. She ranked third among all candidates across the West Indies and became one of the first two women admitted to the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture in St Augustine (now part of the University of the West Indies). After graduation, she travelled to New York City to pursue further studies, earning a diploma in Library Science. To support her education, she worked in a ceramics factory painting pottery and became involved in labour organising, helping to establish a trade union with Manny Spiro. Upon returning to Trinidad, she qualified as a chartered librarian and served as Senior Librarian at the Carnegie Library in San Fernando. During this time, she also joined the Friends of Quakers movement and did welfare work for the blind. In 1962, she moved to Britain to continue her education, earning a BSc degree from the University of London. She later completed postgraduate studies in Social Anthropology at the London School of Economics, writing her thesis on a subject close to her heart - the Chinese community in Trinidad. While studying for her master’s, she worked as a secretary to the Quaker International Affairs Centre in London. Marion (known as Marion Glean while residing in Britain) was a committed pacifist and Quaker. She played a prominent role in the Black community and contributed to key debates on race and post-colonial politics. In the run-up to the 1964 UK general election, she was involved in producing a series of statements on race, published in Peace News by editor Theodore Roszak. As Kalbir Shukra notes in The Changing Pattern of Black Politics in Britain (1998): “After the election, Glean brought together Alan Lovell and Michael Randle – pacifists and former members of the Committee of 100 - with other friends who had written for Peace News, including Ranjana Ash (an active member of the Movement for Colonial Freedom), Trinidadian historian and writer C. L. R. James, and Barry Reckord (Caribbean playwright and actor).” Initially, they formed a debating group called Multi-Racial Britain, but Martin Luther King’s visit to London in December 1964 inspired them to expand their efforts. They used King’s presence and influence to engage a broader audience. That year, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for civil rights in the United States. Before travelling to Norway to accept the award, he visited the UK to preach at St Paul’s Cathedral and meet civil rights activists. US Civil Rights activist Bayard Rustin, responsible for organising King’s visit to the UK, was put in contact with Glean to help coordinate the tour. Together, they arranged for King to meet local immigrant activists and promote anti-discrimination legislation in Britain. On Monday 7 th  December King met with activists at Hilton Hotel in London for hour and a half. Those present included Dr David Pitt and representatives from: London Region of Standing Conference of West Indian Organisations, West Indian Student Union, the British Caribbean Association, Anti-Apartheid, the National Federation of Pakistan Association, Council of African Organisations, Southall Indian Workers Association, the CND, the Committee of 100 and the Movement for Colonial Freedom. An ad hoc committee was formed at this meeting, serving as a “nucleus for an umbrella organisation to coordinate the anti-discrimination efforts of organisations in the immigrant communities.” This group formally adopted the name Campaign for Racial Discrimination (CARD) at a follow-up meeting on the 10th January 1965. In The Guardian  newspaper, published on 12 th December 1964, Glean described the movement as “not a coloured front vis-à-vis the rest.” Although most CARD members were Black (a political term used at the time to describe people of colour from the Commonwealth), Dr David Pitt served as chair. White liberals also came to play a significant role in CARD’s subsequent campaigns. For four years, it was an effective – though later controversially moderate – influence behind Harold Wilson’s Labour government and its promotion of American-style civil rights and anti-discrimination legislation. By 1965, Marion had divorced and remarried, was now known as Marion O’Callaghan, and was living and working in Paris. She worked as Director of Social Science Programmes for UNESCO, overseeing their anti-apartheid programme from 1965 to 1990. During this time, she began her writing career, publishing two novels in the 1970s under her maiden name, Marion Patrick Jones. Her first novel, Pan Beat (1973), explored steelband culture and the role of women in its development. Her second, J’Ouvert Morning (1976), examined middle-class struggles in a society with a colonial legacy. Lloyd W. Brown commented on her work: "In spite of the soap operatic quality of her narrative materials, Jones's novels succeed as riveting documents of a troubled society in a state of transition. ...despite Jones's melodramatic tendencies, the characters are vividly drawn and the language especially in  J'Ouvert Morning  - is original and invigorating." While Jennifer Rahim said, “The author's invaluable contribution to the region's literature is her sensitive analysis of the Trinidadian urban middle class, as it strives to escape poverty and anonymity.” Writing by Jones appears in such collections as Her True-True Name: An Anthology of Women's Writing from the Caribbean  (eds Pamela Mordecai and Betty Wilson, 1989), Caribbean Women Writers: Essays from the First International Conference (ed. Selwyn R Cudjoe, 1990), and Daughters of Africa: An International Anthology of Words and Writings by Women of African Descent (ed. Margaret Busby, 1992). After retiring from UNESCO in 1990, she returned to live Trinidad with her husband Maurice O'Callaghan. There, she continued to write, contributing a weekly commentary column for the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday newspaper. Marion O’Callaghan died aged 84 at her home in Port of Spain on 2 March 2016.   Source: https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/The_Changing_Pattern_of_Black_Politics_i/vccqIjs0GfAC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22marion+glean%22&pg=PA20&printsec=frontcover https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/12/martin-luther-king-dr-uk-visit-1948 https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Special_Relations/l8xT0epJ5OoC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=marion+glean&pg=PA173&printsec=frontcover https://www.stpauls.co.uk/visit-from-martin-luther-king https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2014/dec/02/martin-luther-king-in-london-1964-reflections-on-a-landmark-visit#:~:text=He%20spoke%20of%20the%20iniquity,but%20behaviour%20can%20be%20regulated . https://www.womeninpeace.org/j-names/2017/8/1/marion-patrick-jones https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Marion_Patrick_Jones https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/jones-marion-patrick