Happy Black History Month!

This is a month to celebrate black heritage and culture and to commemorate the history, achievements, and contributions of African and Caribbean individuals in the UK.

For 37 years, this month has been recognised as a time to reflect on black history and acknowledge those who have fought - and continue to fight - for the rights of black communities as well as embracing black culture and identity here and now.


Timeline of milestones

  • 1807

    Slave Trade Act is passed

    Slavery within the British Empire becomes illegal.

  • 1833

    Slavery Abolition Act is passed

    Slavery is completely abolished throughout the British Empire, and expands the Slave Trade Act which makes the purchase and ownership of slaves illegal.

  • 1857

    Mary Seacole's autobiography

    The first biography is written by a Black woman.

  • 1948

    Empire Windrush

    A ship hailing from Jamaica docks at Tilbury carrying 802 people from across the Caribbean. Its arrival changes the UK forever as hundreds of Caribbean people begin a new life in the country, kick-starting the era of multiculturalism.

  • 1963

    Bristol Bus Boycott

    National attention grows after a Bristol-based company refuses to employ Black or Asian bus crews.

  • 1965

    Race Relations Act passed

    The first legislation in the UK to address racial discrimination is passed.

  • 1987

    Diane Abbott - MP

    Diane Abbott is elected as Britain's first Black female MP.

  • 1987

    Black History Month

    The first UK Black History Month in 1987, led by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, marked the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean.

  • 1993

    Stephen Lawrence

    Stephen Lawrence's murder uncovers institutional racism in the Met Police.

  • 2016

    Black Lives Matter

    The first Black Lives Matter protest takes place in the UK.

  • 2021

    Daniel Kaluyya - Oscar Award

    Daniel Kaluyya is the first Black British actor to win an Oscar Award.


Standing Firm in Power and Pride

This year's Black History Month is themed around Standing Firm in Power and Pride - a celebration of resilience, leadership, and cultural identity that continues to shape the world. It calls us to honour the visionaries who fought for justice, broke barriers, and built legacies of change, while also embracing the pride that flows through heritage, creativity, and community.

By standing strong in unity and walking boldly in pride, both the present and the future can be moulded into a story that reflects the strength, dignity, and brilliance of Black communities everywhere.

Black, queer, revolutionary

The contributions of Black individuals to history, art, and culture are more often than not side-lined, but there is one area where the contributions of Black radicals and trailblazers are unjustly understated: the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement.

Interested in how Black queer individuals and groups have shaped history and built the groundwork for all LGBTQ+ people today?

Find out more

Student with eyes closed laughing and backlit with pink lights

Events

BHM - Hallam SU x Film Society - Soul
14th October
The Void, Owen Building Level 1, Sheffield
BHM - What's your blood type?
21st October
Hallam - Collegiate Campus (Heart of the Campus), Sheffield
BHM - Hallam SU x Film Society - I Saw the TV Glow
21st October
The Void, Owen Building Level 1, Sheffield
BHM - Celebrating Black Excellence: A Hallam Staff Panel
28th October
Hallam - City Campus, Sheffield
BHM - What's your blood type?
30th October
Hallam - City Campus (Owen), Sheffield
BHM - An evening with Ayo Akinwolere
30th October
Strines ground floor room 37 00 01-02-03 , City Campus

Societies

Join Black student groups to celebrate, learn, and connect.

Afro Caribbean Society

Nigerian Society

BAME Society


Black-owned businesses

Explore and support some of our favourite Black-owned businesses across Sheffield.


Read, watch, listen

Explore our recommended books, films, TV shows, and podcasts to gain a deeper understanding of Black experiences, celebrate Black history and culture, and spark conversations about race and justice.

Books

Film and TV

Podcasts