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 39 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.


Honouring Our Communities

This year's Black History Month is themed around Honouring Our Communities - drawing focus to recognising the people and communities whose everyday contributions help shape, support, and strengthen Black life across the UK. This includes volunteers, educators, carers, activists, artists and community leaders, and reflects that Black history is not only made through landmark events or by famous names.

By recognising the individuals and communities around us we honour the past and present, paving a path for the future to continue demonstrating the care, creativity, courage, and commitment of Black communities everywhere.

Student with eyes closed laughing and backlit with pink lights

Events

Black Owned Business Market
7th October
Hallam SU - Owen, Sheffield
Food Market
14th October
Hallam SU - Owen, Sheffield
BHM - What's Your Blood Type?
20th October
Hallam Square, SU Space, Sheffield
BHM - What's Your Blood Type?
21st October
Hallam Square, SU Space, Sheffield
BHM- What's Your Blood Type?
22nd October
Heart of the Campus, Sheffield

Societies

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

See something missing or want to revive an old society? Adopt the Afro Caribbean Society or the BAME Society today! Not vibing with anything existing? Start your own society (we'll even help!).

Nigerian Society

Adopt: Afro Caribbean Society

Adopt: 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