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Black History Month

Black History Month

28 June 2016

Black History Month is celebrated annually in the United Kingdom in October.

Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø celebrates Black History Month

Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø is proud to celebrate Black History Month, an annual event which:

  • honours historic Black leaders
  • provides a better understanding of the struggles won, lost and gained
  • provides an opportunity to highlight Black history and cultures
  • creates an awareness for all Black history is OUR history.

This year's Black History Month theme, 'Reclaiming Narratives,' marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. By emphasising this theme, we shine a brighter light on stories, allegories, and histories that underscore our commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage.

A range of useful resources can be found on the .

As a union, we must continue to challenge racism at all levels and work to create anti-racist environments. This short guide for branches provides a useful starting point for this work.

Black History Wallchart

In 2020, Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø produced a wallchart focussing on some key milestones throughout Black History. Alongside the wallchart, we also created a range of poster portraits of some important individuals in black history. 

This work is just one of the ways that Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø is taking the lead in highlighting and challenging racial inequality. We encourage you to share these materials, and hope that they will act as useful springboards for discussion about Black History within Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø branches.

Black History Wallchart 2020 (print-ready) [5mb]   Black History Wallchart 2020 [3mb]

Black History Month wallchart 2020

Poster Portrait of some Important Individuals in Black History [13mb]  

Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Black History Month Bernard Coard portrait [1mb]  
Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Black History Month Claudia Jones portrait [510kb]  
Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Black History Month Dr Mae Jemison portrait [1mb] 
Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Black History Month Harriet Tubman portrait [1mb]
Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Black History Month Lady Doreen Lawrence portrait [343kb]
Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Black History Month Olive Morris portrait [383kb]
Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Black History Month Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah portrait [347kb]
Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Black History Month Samuel Maharero portrait [2mb]
Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Black History Month Sanite Belair portrait [2mb]
Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Black History Month Wangari Muta Maathai portrait [1mb]
Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Black History Month William Cuffay portrait [3mb]


Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Black Member Networks

Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø uses the term 'Black' in a political sense to refer to people who are descended, through one or both parents, from Africa, the Caribbean, Asia (the middle-East to China) and Latin America. It refers to those from a visible minority who have a shared experience of oppression. The word is used to foster a sense of solidarity and empowerment.

Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø has developed networks for black members to:

  • provide a supported route to enhanced activism within the branch
  • provide a space for Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø's black members who may have a shared experience of working in the FE and HE sectors
  • provide support and guidance for black members who wish to become more involved in Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø's equality networks and structures

We have developed networks for black members in the following regions:

  • West Midlands
  • London
  • Eastern
  • Yorkshire and Humberside
  • South West.

This year, we will be developing networks in Scotland, Wales and Southern region.

Come and meet other black members in your region, share your experiences, and discuss how we can increase black member representation in our branches and the Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø's democratic structures. These networks are open for all self-identifying black members.

Contact the Equality team for further information on how you can join and/or set up a network in your region.


Black voices - a Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø blog

Black voices is the space for Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø's black members to talk about relevant workplace issues. To read and find out how you can make a contribution, visit /black-voices or contact Chris Nicholas.


Last updated: 29 October 2024