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October is Black History Month in the UK. The first Black History Month in the UK took place in 1987, the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean.
It was arranged by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, who came to the UK from Ghana as a refugee in 1984, and wanted to challenge racism and celebrate the history of Black people.
October was chosen partly because it is traditionally a time when African leaders gather to talk about important issues and partly because it was at the start of the school year.
This year’s theme is Reclaiming Narratives. Young people and UK Youth staff members have been Empowering and Educating, by “embracing, educating, and empowering one another through the stories that shape our collective identity”.
Young Changemaker Melvin Riley, from Wolverhampton, when asked what advice he would give his 14-year-old self, said: “I would tell my 14-year-old self to start building your network and don’t be afraid to test bold ideas.
“Read as much as you can, because knowledge is a powerful tool. Embrace failure as a part of the journey—fail fast and iterate quickly.
“Each experience, whether successful or not, will shape your path and help you grow into the person you’re meant to be.”
Oby Bamidele, UK Youth interim chief operating officer, said: “I would tell my 14-year-old self to embrace who you are and not be afraid to stand out.
“The things that make you different are your superpowers. Don’t let the world define you—define yourself. Your voice matters, your dreams are valid, and you deserve to take up space. Be proud of your name and your identity. You are worthy, you are enough, and you are lovable.”
Oby said she wanted Black History Month to “celebrate Black excellence”.
She said: “I want Black History Month to be about more than struggle—it should celebrate Black excellence in all its forms. I want it to spark a deeper reflection on how Black history is integral to world history. My hope is that this month becomes a catalyst for more sustained recognition and commitment to equity, justice, and representation, not just in October but throughout the year.
“I hope people take away the message that Black history is world history. It’s not separate or niche; it’s a vital part of the human story. Reclaiming our narratives is about honouring the depth, complexity, and beauty of Black experiences. It’s a call to celebrate those stories all year, not just during Black History Month.”
Saira Falkus-Holder, UK Youth corporate partnerships manager, says education is a hugely important aspect of Black History Month.
She says: “When I was in high school, the history I was taught in English literature was highly Eurocentric. The arts have the power to help us empathise and learn about other peoples’ lived experiences – but academic texts and literature often leave many minorities out of the narrative.
“As the UK is such a melting pot of different ethnicities, cultures, and stories, I believe the school curriculum should reflect the breadth of cultures that exist in the world today.”
Saira is also embracing the stories which shape her own identity.
Saira says: “Growing up, my mother was the breadwinner and my dad worked part-time, so he could always be there for me and my three siblings after school. When I was in primary school, it was still unusual to see dads doing the school runs, so among the sea of mums, my dad became a bit of a local celebrity. With my mum working full-time in managerial roles and my dad doing the main housework and cooking shifts before work, I was raised knowing that we do not have to fully subscribe to traditional gender norms. I knew women could take on managerial and leadership roles if they so wished, and that men could do the housework. He was also an amazing cook – he made delicious Bajan foods like stew conkies, bajey bakes, and sweetbread.
“My dad was a talented artist. He created an anti-bullying mural at my primary school compiled from student artwork, as well as helped to paint the Black history mural in Reading before I was born. It’s amazing that my dad contributed to such an important commemoration of Black history in Reading and that I will be able to show it to my future children one day.
“Since my father is no longer with us, I commemorated his life by getting one of his art pieces, called Love Circle, tattooed on me, so I can always carry him around with me.”
This week, UK Youth staff will be hearing from Addai-Sebo about the origins of Black History Month in the UK and his personal journey. A report will appear online after his talk.
About UK Youth
UK Youth is a leading charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. With an open network of more than 9,000 youth organisations and nation partners; UK Youth reaches more than four million young people across the UK and is focused on unlocking youth work as the catalyst of change that is needed now more than ever. To find out more, visit ukyouth.org
UK Youth is involved in a range of programmes designed to help young people thrive, such as outdoor learning, physical literacy, social action and employability. For more on UK Youth’s programmes, see ukyouth.org/what-we-do/programmes
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