Standing firm in power and pride this Black History Month

October is Black History Month in the UK.

To mark this occasion, we’ll be flying the Black History Month flag from Hove and Brighton town halls throughout the month and a number of exciting events have been planned across the city.

The theme this year, ‘Standing firm in power and pride’, is a tribute to the resilience, strength and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe.

Power represents the influence, leadership, and capacity to effect positive change, celebrating the visionaries who have led political, civil rights, and social movements and broken barriers in business, education, and the arts.

Pride reflects cultural identity, heritage, and the celebration of Black excellence. From the art and music to the stories passed through generations, pride is the heartbeat of Black communities worldwide.

The theme is a reminder that true power is not about titles but about the collective strength, courage, and unity. It serves as an invitation for everyone to actively shape a world where Black voices are heard, valued, and celebrated.

Unwavering support

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet member for Communities, Equalities and Adult Social Care, said: “We’re proud to show our unwavering support to Black History Month and celebrate the history and achievements of our Black residents and Black communities across the world.

“Black history and culture are an inextricable part of our city and our country and need to recognised and celebrated as such.

“The theme of power and pride this year comes at a time when the actions of individuals might render rest of us feeling powerless and unable to proudly express who we are.

“On our journey to become an anti-racist council and an anti-racist city, we will do everything in our power to challenge any hostile narratives that make our residents feel unseen, unsafe, unheard or unwelcome.

“Understanding, sharing and celebrating the experiences of our diverse communities makes our city the unique and amazing place it is.”

Take part in Black History Month with our libraries

Sunday 5 October

A Black History Month talk with Tammye Huf

3pm to 4pm, Jubilee Library community space

Join author Tammye Huf on a talk and presentation about her acclaimed novel, A More Perfect Union, inspired by the true story of her great-great-grandparents. A More Perfect Union is an exploration of identity, sacrifice, belonging, race and love.

Organised by Brighton & Hove Libraries in partnership with Writing Our Legacy.

For more information and to book your free ticket visit the Writing Our Legacy website.

Saturday 25 October

Searching for my slave roots: Book launch and conversation with Malik al Nasir

3pm to 4pm, Jubilee Library Community Space

Black History Month conversation and book launch with author, poet and academic Malik al Nasir discussing his book Searching For My Slave Roots. Gain a deeper understanding around Black history and the Transatlantic slave trade, research and writing non-fiction. Event organised by Brighton & Hove Libraries in partnership with Afrori books.

For more information or to book a free ticket visit the Afrori Books website.

Exhibitions

Black philosophers: Planting the seeds of power and pride

Wednesday 1 October to Friday 31 October

Jubilee Library community space

In line with this year’s theme of UK Black History Month ‘Standing firm in power and pride’, this exhibition features the portraits and biographies of the Black philosophers whose academic work, speeches, publications and pioneering activist roles had a profound worldwide influence on many artists, professionals and activists.

Curated in partnership with Umit Ozturk, coordinator of EuroMernet.

Throughout October, EuroMernet Film Club will also screen drama and documentaries about the life and legacy of some of the philosophers who are featured in the exhibition.

Discovering Black stories

Visitors are also encouraged to explore Black stories by picking up a book from a specially curated selection in their local libraries, browse the online Brighton & Hove library catalogue, or download an eBook or eAudiobook from BorrowBox.

Community celebrations in the city

Saturday 4 October

Black Brighton Market

12 noon to 6pm, The Actors, Prince's Street, Kemptown

Artisanal BIPOC creators and traders, Caribbean food, performances, open mic opportunities, raffle prizes and more!

Learn more about the event on Eventbrite.

Friday 9 October

It takes a village

10.30am to 2pm, Ironworks Studios, 30 Cheapside, BN1 4GD

Join the Brighton & Hove Fostering Service to find out how you can support Black and Global Majority children in care. Learn more about fostering, supported lodgings, becoming an independent visitor or offering community support. You can expect education, stories, music, poetry, shared food, and meaningful conversations.

Tuesday 21 October

Afrori Books - In Conversation: Marcia Hutchinson and Paterson Joseph

7pm to 8.30pm, Afrori Books,.Brighthelm Church & Community Centre, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1YD

A thought-provoking and insightful evening with authors Marcia Hutchinson and Paterson Joseph, two writers with a deep passion for culture and history.

Learn more about the event and book your ticket on Afrori Books website.

Saturday 25 October

Voices of Power

2pm to 6pm, Hove Methodist Church, Portland Road, BN3 5DR

Get ready for an epic concert celebrating Black History Month bringing together an inspiring mix of music, performance, food and culture.

Learn more and book your tickets on Eventbrite.

Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October

Chef Chrissie Ranx and Momma Cherri Collaboration pop up

Redroaster St James's Street, Kemptown, BN2 1RE, UK

Momma Cherri and Chef Chrissie Ranx have joined forces to deliver the soulful flavours of the American south and Caribbean islands as perfect way to round of Black history month.

Explore the menu and book your tickets online.

Wednesday 29 October

Discovery day

10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Royal Pavilion Gardens, BN1 1EE

Drop in to the Brighton & Hove Museum to have a closer look at objects from the museum’s Africa collection. Includes historical objects such as beadwork from South Africa and Adire textiles from Nigeria.

Saturday 15 November

Family day

11am to 6pm, Corn Exchange, New Rd, BN1 1UG

Brighton's biggest free celebration of arts, culture and heritage returns to Brighton Dome and Brighton Museum.

This uplifting intergenerational event will take you on a journey across continents as we honour the outstanding contributions of the Global Majority and the diaspora communities in our vibrant city.

Whether you're looking to get active, explore your artistic side, or just spend quality time together, there's something for everyone: arts & crafts, live music, dance & singing workshops, storytelling, creative writing workshops, family yoga, African masquerade dancers, colourful Head wrapping and more!

Learn more about the event at the Brighton Dome website.

Throughout October

The Caribbean Kitchen residence at The Actors pub

The Actors, 4 Prince's St, Kemptown, BN2 1RD

The Caribbean Kitchen will be hosting a number of events in the upstairs theatre of The Actors pub and reggae roasts throughout the month.

On Friday 5, Friday 12 and Friday 26 October, they’ll be hosting Reggae Roast Black History Month Family days with performances in the theatre, DJ’s and dominoes in the side bar.

On Saturday 18 October you can look forward to Reggae bottomless brunch day party.