Why Black History Month 2025 Is More Relevant Than Ever

In the UK, October is the start of Black History Month (BHM), a period set aside to acknowledge, consider, and commemorate the rich history, accomplishments, and contributions of Black communities throughout the country. This year, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride” is the official theme.

The theme places a strong emphasis on identity assertion, cultural power, and perseverance. It challenges people, groups, and organizations to actively create more egalitarian futures by addressing current issues and remembering previous hardships.

Inspired by Ghanaian-born historian Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who sought to establish a national platform that would honor Black ancestry and combat racial unfairness, the UK established Black History Month in 1987. The UK celebrates it in October, which coincides with the beginning of the school year and provides a suitable period for educational activities, whilst the US observes it in February.

The observance this year is focused on a few key areas:

•Celebrating cultural contributions: BHM 2025 aims to highlight the lesser-known tales of Black British lives as creators, innovators, and leaders, spanning from literature, art, and music to public life and civic participation.

•Addressing structural inequality: The theme invites organizations and people to consider persistent injustices and take proactive measures to achieve representation and empowerment.

•Marking anniversaries: Throughout the month, important historical anniversaries will be commemorated, including the 60th anniversary of the UK’s Race Relations Act and other noteworthy celebrations of activism and transformation.

Activities in the United Kingdom:

The concept has been embraced at the University of East London (UEL) through a variety of activities, including interactive workshops, panel discussions, and cultural exhibits with the goal of inspiring and educating faculty, students, and the general public.

With discussions, exhibitions, spoken word, and family-friendly events in line with BHM, the local council in Manchester is commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress, which was held in the city in 1945.

Organizations like the Royal College of Midwives and its allies are producing special features in the midwifery and health sector that address racial disparities in maternal health care and elevate the leadership and voices of Black moms and professionals.

Many observers contend that despite Black culture’s increasing visibility, there is still a notable ignorance of Black British history.

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Additionally, institutions are criticized for focusing their resources only on October instead of integrating Black history and cultural representation all year long.

The fundamental objective is still to integrate Black history, culture, and accomplishments into mainstream national narratives, even though the month provides a significant prominence. In order to guarantee continuous engagement, educators, legislators, and organizations are being urged to go beyond symbolic acknowledgment.

As the UK enters October 2025, the message is clear: Black history isn’t optional or peripheral—it is central. “Standing Firm in Power and Pride” challenges us to affirm past achievements, confront present challenges and shape future possibilities. The call is not simply to reflect, but to act.

Credit: BHM