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Black History Month

collage created for BHM 2024
collage created for BHM 2024
Collage by Ama Ogwo, Asili Taylor, and Hannah Smith, 2024, UA

Join us as we celebrate the history, culture and contribution of the Black community - including our students, staff and alumni.

Black History Month (BHM) takes place in October across the UK and is an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and share the outstanding contributions of the Black community. It's also a time for reflection and to raise awareness of Black history and heritage.

Check out our BHM resources from around UAL.

Stories

What's on

More to explore

  • Two women facing the camera looking at an exhibition
    People interacting with work at Launch Night of Degree Show, 2022, London College of Communication, UAL,
    Photograph: Ana Escobar

    Halls Life Black History Month events  

    Check out Halls Life's programme of Black History Month events.

  • Young man reading a book in the library
    Reading at the library, image courtesy of UAL

    Arts SU Black History month events  

    See the full Black History Month events schedule from Arts SU.

  • Rochelle Saunders, MA Arts and Cultural Enterprise, Central Saint Martins, 2020, © Alys Tomlinson

    Arts SU Black History Month support  

    Resources for any student who needs support during BHM and beyond.

  • Collage of images representing African heritage, culture and celebrities.
    Petra Raissa Nogueira, '[Black is] light', 2021, BA Fashion Design and Development, London College of Fashion,UAL.

    UAL Anti-Racism strategy

    See how we're working together to make UAL an anti-racist university.

  • Installation of various textile patterns
    Textiles with organic shapes by Tayla-Jayne Sander, image courtesy of UAL.

    Ethnic Representation Index

    See how we're reviewing the progress made by universities in England to become anti-racist institutions.

  • Brenda Emmanus and UAL Professor Sonia Boyce
    BBC Broadcaster Brenda Emmanus and UAL Professor Sonia Boyce on the set of 'Whoever Heard of a Black Artist? Britain’s Hidden Art History' documentary

    Black Artists and Modernism

    Get highlights from our Black Artists and Modernism research project.

Origin of BHM

BHM was founded in the UK in 1987 by Akyaaba Addai Sebo. He was inspired by the civil rights movement in the US, where BHM was born in 1969.

Akyaaba's initial goal was to help build a sense of identity among Black people in the UK. He also wanted to help communities challenge racism and learn about the British history that wasn't taught in schools.

It's important to educate ourselves about often unsung Black history to help dispel negative stereotypes. BHM is a time to celebrate and share the culture of Black people and inspire and instil pride.