Black History Month 2025 — “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”

October 15, 2025

The Black History Month

Black History Month – Celebrating Diversity and Belonging

This October, Shining Stars Fostering Agency proudly celebrates Black History Month — a time to recognise the achievements, culture, and heritage of Black people across the UK and around the world.
At Shining Stars, we believe every child deserves to feel valued and proud of who they are. By celebrating diversity and learning together, we help create a future where every young person feels seen, supported, and inspired to shine.

The official UK theme for Black History Month 2025 is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride” — celebrating the resilience, strength, and steadfast commitment of Black communities to shape a more equitable future. The theme emphasises two interlinked ideas: Power: not just in terms of authority, but the capacity to influence change, leadership, and collective action. Pride: in cultural identity, heritage, creative expression, and the stories that carry our communities forward.

Significant Anniversaries & Honours

Black History Month 2025 is also marking several meaningful anniversaries and remembering influential figures:

60th Anniversary of the UK’s Race Relations Act The Race Relations Act of 1965 (and subsequent legislation) was a landmark in British law against racial discrimination. This year the act’s legacy is being particularly honoured as part of the theme’s reflection on progress and ongoing challenges.
Assassination of Malcolm X The commemoration also remembers Malcolm X, whose life and ideas continue to inspire discussions about race, justice, and identity.
Passing of Paul Stephenson OBE (1937–2024) Paul Stephenson, notable for leading the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott (a protest against race-based discrimination in public transport), is being remembered in this year’s observances.
Legacy of Lord Herman Ouseley (1945–2024) Lord Ouseley — former Chair of the UK Commission for Racial Equality — is being honoured this year for his long-standing contributions to race equality, communication, and reform.

Why is Black History Month important?

Black history month was first launched in London in the 1980s, where the aim was for the local community to challenge racism and educate themselves and others about the British history that was not taught in schools.

Black people have been in Britain for a lot longer than previously thought – One of the oldest skeletons ever found was that of the Cheddar Man who had dark skin.

Archaeologists, the people who study human history through digging up sites looking at bones and ancient objects, think that he was alive during the stone age.

Throughout history black people have always been present in the UK but there has been a lack of representation in the history books.

In paintings of Henry the Eighth you can see black people in the background. Queen Victoria even had a black goddaughter who’s mother was a Nigerian Princess called Omoba, she was given to the queen when her parents died after being captured by slave traders, her name was changed to Sarah Forbes-Bonetta.

Many people say that it’s important to remember the forgotten people who have helped to shape the UK.

A historic year

This year has seen demonstrations in Britain and around the world in response to the death of George Floyd, a black man who died while being stopped by police in America.

“2020 has held a mirror up to the world and forced many to see the reality of racism,” says Catherine Ross.

In the UK, Black Lives Matter demonstrations have called for an end to systemic racism, where people aren’t treated fairly because they are black.

Premier League footballers have taken the knee in solidarity with the movement, while there have been calls to remove statues of white people who contributed to Britain’s role in the transatlantic save trade – a time where black people were traded for goods and sold into slavery to work. It lasted for more than 400 years.

“Black Lives Matter protests around the world sparked a commitment among many individuals and organisations to educate themselves about Black history, heritage and culture – as part of understanding racism and standing in solidarity against it,” Ross said.

How will Black History Month be celebrated?

Many people take the time to do research into their backgrounds or find out more about black people who have made a difference to the UK.

Some schools across the UK teach about Britain’s black history including the slave trade and important and influential black men and women from history.

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson says it’s important to celebrate the influence black people have had shaping Britain’s history:

“For countless generations people of African and Caribbean descent have been shaping our nation’s story, making a huge difference to our national and cultural life and helping to make Britain a better place to be.

“It is this contribution of black British people that I am proud to be celebrating Black History Month this October,” he said.