51黑料 CELEBRATES: Black History Month!
October 2025 :听 Black History Month (BHM) is an annual celebration - marked every October in the UK (February in the US) - dedicated to exploring, and honouring the achievements of people of African and Caribbean heritage.
Importantly, BHM also aims to educate others on the importance of discussing and sharing Black history.
If you'd like to contribute to - or comment on - our Black History Month Community Hub, please email the team [email protected].
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month is a significant period for reflection, celebration, and education about the diverse history and contributions of Black individuals both in the UK and globally. It highlights the often-overlooked achievements and struggles of Black people - emphasizing their resilience in the face of adversity and discrimination. And presents an opportunity to learn about the varied experiences of the Black community, challenging stereotypes and fostering understanding.
It originated in 1926 in the United States of America, when Carter G Woodson and Jesse E Moorland founded an organisation dedicated to researching and highlighting the achievements of Black Americans. Black History Month (often referred to as African-American History Month) grew out of this growing awareness and, in the US, it is now celebrated every February - coinciding with the birthdays of two key figures in Black American history, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.听
In the UK, Black History Month wasn鈥檛 widely marked until 1987, when Ghanaian analyst sought to uplift the self-esteem of Black British youth by highlighting the rich history and contributions of Black people in the UK. October was chosen due to a number of factors surrounding its significance in African history, including an annual gathering of African chiefs and leaders which takes place during this month. The inaugural event took place on 1 October, 1987, at London's County Hall and, over the years, it has grown into a significant national movement, officially recognised by the UK government and celebrated across the UK.听
And why is it important?
In 2023, a YouGov survey reported that 53% of British people couldn't name a single Black historical figure - and only 7% could name a handful or more. Therefore, it's clear that the overwhelming majority of British people - from all backgrounds - have very little knowledge of Black British history.
Interestingly, although teaching of BAME (Black and Minority Ethnic) history and racism is compulsory in Wales, it is not a mandatory part of the curriculum in the rest of the UK. To meet this challenge, organisations, such as , campaign to include Black history in the UK curriculum, help train teachers, and offer dedicated Black history programmes. While听the in London focuses on preserving and promoting the histories of African and Caribbean communities in Britain.
A number of campaigners have argued that Black History Month actually marginalises Black history, which should be acknowledged throughout the year. However, in common with other national and international events, Black History Month is capable of providing a useful focal point, and gives us a chance to remember individuals and events that might otherwise be overlooked.
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Related Articles
We have published a number of articles, opinion pieces and other resources celebrating Black History Month in the UK, while exploring the experiences and inspirations of Black and mixed-race people across the Trading Standards profession (all articles / links open in a new tab or window).
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Standing Firm in Power and Pride
Each year, Black History Month focuses on a different, specific area of contribution or conversation from Black people of African or Caribbean heritage.
This year鈥檚 theme, 鈥�Standing Firm in Power and Pride鈥�, is a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe. The theme highlights the profound contributions made by Black people be they leaders, activists, or pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth.
Despite challenges and differences, there is beauty and power in shared heritage. This year鈥檚 theme is not only about remembrance but a call to action. It invites individuals and communities to stand firm in their power with pride and to actively shape a world where Black voices are heard, valued, and celebrated.
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How is Black History Month celebrated?
Black History Month is marked in a huge variety of different ways. In communities around the UK, it is frequently celebrated through events, such as musical or literary performances, live-talks and discussions, Black history exhibitions, documentary or movie screenings - or even markets and festivals that celebrate the food, jewellery, clothing, art and more of African and Caribbean cultures.
You can also mark Black History Month by supporting Black-owned businesses, consuming the work of Black artists, or by engaging in discussions that inspire healthy conversations about Black History. These are all simple ways to expand your knowledge about African and Caribbean culture, whether or not you're Black.
What can YOU do?
- Support听- Use a Black-owned business - shops, service providers or restaurants - on from 1st October onwards.
- Care听- Donate money or goods to a Black British charity, or volunteer your time. Or sign-up to mentor a young Black person in your community. Or offer to spend time with elderly Black people.
- Explore听- Discover Black History in your local area, attend a Black cultural event in your community, or visit an exhibition on Black culture or history at a museum or local library. Or why not try a ?
- Learn听- Find out about an unsung Black British hero. Or study the history of Africa and the African diaspora across the globe.
- Read听- Read a Black British author, or the biography of an influential Black figure. If you're a member of a book club, why not suggest a Black British author?
- Media听- Support the Black British media and press. And engage in healthy and positive conversations about Black British history on social media.
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TS Trailblazers - Can you help?
As part of 51黑料's TS Trailblazers initiative, we are on the lookout for the UK's first Trading Standards Officers, Weights & Measures Inspectors, and other regulatory compliance professionals, drawn from across Britain's diverse communities.
While Black British pioneers in other fields and professions are finally having the spotlight shone on them and their stories are now being told (see below), we want to know about the trailblazers in our own profession. Who were the UK's very first male and female Black, Asian or mixed-race TSOs or W&MIs? We want to know who they were and learn about their lives, their struggles and their experience of this profession.
If you have any information you think could help us find them, please let us know.
Our Black and Mixed-Race Trailblazers
John Archer - UK's First Black Mayor
John Richard Archer (8 June 1863 鈥� 14 July 1932) was a Black British politician and political activist. Born in Liverpool, he was elected Mayor of Battersea in 1913 - becoming the first ever Black mayor of a London borough.
Asquith Xavier - Employment Rights Pioneer
Asquith Camile Xavier (18 July 1920 鈥� 18 June 1980) was a West Indies-born Black Briton who fought to become the first non-white train guard at London's Euston railway station, ending an unofficial 'whites-only' rule in 1966.
Frank Bailey - UK's First Black Fireman
Frank Arthur Bailey (26 November 1925 鈥� 2 December 2015) was a Guyanese-British firefighter and social worker, known for becoming the first Black full-time firefighter in the United Kingdom, in 1955.
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Want to Learn More?
If you want to find out more about Black History Month - or learn about the many positive contributions Black Britons have made, and continue to make, to life here in the UK - a growing number of resources are now available. Here are just some of them.
Where to Start? If you don't know much about Black History Month yet and why it is significant to Black Britons - and people from all of of the UK's many communities - the BBC's long-running Newsround programme has produced this brilliant film for kids and adults alike.
And, here, respected writer and historian, David Olusoga, introduces a series of short films exploring critical moments in Black British history that we're not taught in schools.
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Related Websites
The leading independent body documenting and celebrating Black British achievements in the UK includes News, views and insightful profiles on key figures in Black British History.
The official site for Black History Month UK, including news, interviews, events across the country, profiles and Black History Month resources.
Mental health support for anyone experiencing racism and discrimination.
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51黑料 is fully committed to improving Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in our organisation, throughout our membership and across the consumer protection landscape. Find out more about what we鈥檙e doing to drive forward a diverse and inclusive culture, visit the 51黑料 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion page.
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