Black History Month 2025: Standing Firm in Power and Pride
Black History Month in the United Kingdom will take place from 1 to 31 October, 2025. This annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour and reflect on the rich contributions and achievements of Black and Mixed Heritage communities in Britain, highlighting stories and histories often overlooked in mainstream narratives. The 2025 theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” emphasises resilience, leadership, and the enduring legacy of Black communities, encouraging both reflection on the past and inspiration for future generations. It highlights the importance of recognising the strength, accomplishments, and influence of Black Britons across all areas of society, from the arts and literature to politics, science, and social activism.
Black History Month in the UK began in 1987, when Akyaaba Addai-Sebo of the Greater London Council initiated the observance in London to raise awareness of Black history and heritage. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide celebration, with a wide range of cultural events, educational programmes, and community initiatives taking place throughout October. The month offers opportunities to engage with history through exhibitions, guided tours, music and theatre performances, talks, and literary festivals, all designed to deepen understanding and promote inclusivity.
Resources for exploring and celebrating Black History Month in 2025 are extensive. Organisations such as Black History Month UK provide educational materials, themed activity guides, and online resources for schools, workplaces, and community groups. Museums and cultural institutions, including the Museum of London Docklands and the Horniman Museum, offer curated exhibitions and events highlighting Black British history. The Black British Book Festival, Europe’s largest Black literature festival, showcases Black authors and works, offering further insight into literary contributions. Local councils often provide programming guides, cultural tours, and educational packs to help communities engage meaningfully with the month’s theme. Online platforms such as Twinkl, Visit London, and Inclusive Employers also provide lesson plans, virtual tours, and event listings tailored to schools and organisations seeking to celebrate Black History Month thoughtfully.
To support this observance, the Black History Month Resource Pack 2025 has been developed, offering a comprehensive suite of educational materials to facilitate meaningful engagement with the theme. This resource pack includes a thematic centrepiece poster featuring “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” curriculum resources for primary and secondary education with lesson plans and discussion prompts, event planning guides with suggestions for workshops and community activities, and digital assets for online platforms to enable virtual participation. These resources aim to empower educators, community leaders, and individuals to create inclusive environments that honour and celebrate the contributions of Black communities throughout the UK.
For more information and to access the full resource pack, visit the official Black History Month UK website: Black History Month Resource Pack 2025.
