Black History Month
Every October, the UK celebrates Black History Month — a chance to recognise and celebrate the cultures, histories and achievements of Black communities. This year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” looks back at the impact of Black people throughout history and forward to a future of progress and empowerment.
Events you will not want to miss:
Pathways to Success – Celebrating Black Leaders
15 October, from 5pm, Beale Room
This Black History Month event will showcase the career journeys of three Black and Mixed Race leaders from the University of Birmingham, highlighting growth, resilience, and achievement.
Film Screening – If Beale Street Could Talk
Wednesday 15 October, 17:30–19:00, Muirhead Tower G15
A powerful film exploring love, resilience and systemic racism in the US.
BHM Me in 3: Professionals
Wednesday 8 October, 14:30-15:30, Muirhead Tower
Membersfrom across UoB share reflections on their career path and leadership journey.
Lunchtime Lecture – The Windrush Generation’s Contribution to Nursing
Tuesday 21 October, 12:00–13:00, Leonard Deacon Lecture Theatre
Discover the stories, challenges, and lasting impact of Caribbean nurses who helped shape the NHS and healthcare as we know it today.
BHM Me in 3: 125th Anniversary Scholars
Tuesday 21 October, 14:00–15:00
Hear from Black British researchers Vanessa Ankude, Oluwaseun Olushola and Rodas Elias about their work and experiences in academia.
Film Screening – Moonlight
Wednesday 22 October, 17:30–19:00
The Oscar-winning film follows the life of Chiron, a young Black man in Miami, and raises powerful questions about identity and belonging.
Hope and Change: Revisiting Barack Obama’s Historic Presidency
Wednesday 29 October, 17:30–20:00, The Exchange, Centenary Square Birmingham B1 2DR
Join academics for an interactive "Town Hall" style event exploring Barack Obama’s historic presidency and the relevance of his message of hope and change for Birmingham today.
Pathways to Success – Celebrating Black Leaders
Wednesday 15 October, 17:00-18:00, Beale Room, Aston Webb
Sign up to hear the professional journeys of three Black and Mixed Race leaders from UoB. Each speaker represents a different stage in their career, offering attendees a powerful and relatable narrative of growth, resilience, and achievement.
Internship opportunities
Applications are now open for the 10,000 Black Interns Programme. The scheme offers paid placements across 35 industries and more than 500 organisations — including HSBC and Morgan Stanley. It is open exclusively to Black and Black-heritage students and is a fantastic way to gain experience and boost your CV.
Blogs, socials and more
We're celebrating Black History Month with a vibrant mix of content across our socials @UniBirmingham — from blogs spotlighting influential Black British figures to features on traditional Ghanaian dishes. Stay tuned throughout the month, and in the meantime, explore some inspiring blogs from our students:
Blog: What Black History Month means to me
Blog: A Kenyan student's journey of identity and connection in the diaspora
Win your next great read!
From Monday 6 October, the Main Library atrium will host a display of books by Black authors — from memoirs like Michelle Obama’s Becoming to critical works such as Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall.
By sharing your reflections on any of the featured titles, you could win a bundle of eight books to take home
Stay tuned throughout October, get involved with the events, and join us in celebrating Black History Month at UoB!