Honouring our Black communities

Thursday 1 October marks the start of 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.  

A plethora of fantastic events has been planned across the city, from music to inspiring poetry readings, book festivals, history talks, family days and events for children, providing something for everyone who wants to learn more, celebrate and connect with Black history.  

Honouring our communities 

Over the past years, Black History Month rightly celebrated notable figures whose achievements have changed the course of history.  

This year, we are recognising that history is not only made in moments of visibility. It is built over time, through consistent acts of care, leadership and responsibility. 

We are focusing on communities that shape, support and sustain us, and recognising individuals whose contributions are part of everyday life, yet too often go unseen.  

We’re celebrating Black individuals who show up every day for others − volunteers who give their time without expectation, teachers who shape futures far beyond the classroom, nurses and carers who offer dignity and compassion in moments that matter most, community leaders and organisers who bring people together. 

Their contributions may not always make headlines, but they have a lasting impact on the lives of the people around them. 

Unwavering support 

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health 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. 

“This year’s theme gives us an opportunity to celebrate those among us, who are working every day to support, strengthen and shape Black communities. 

“It is up to us to ensure that their efforts don’t go unnoticed, that their lives are being championed every day and that they feel represented in every aspect of civic life.  

“This July, we’ve launched a new initiative aimed at increasing Black and Asian representation in key civic roles, addressing their historic under-representation of civic institutions and public organisations, including elected roles and leadership positions.  

“Through a happy coincidence, the first meeting of the Civic Leadership Programme takes place on Thursday 1 October, intertwining Black history with a glimpse into the future. 

“A future where Black voices are heard, valued and represented at every level of society. A future where opportunity is genuinely open to all, and where the leadership of our institutions reflects the diversity of the communities they serve. A future where the contributions of Black residents are recognised not just for one month of the year, but every day. 

“As we celebrate Black History Month, let us take the time not only to learn about history, but to honour those who are shaping it right now. In doing so, we can ensure that the stories we tell tomorrow are richer, fairer and more representative than ever before.” 

Community celebrations in the city

Friday 2 October 

African Soul Rebels - Les Amazones d’Afrique, Gasper Nali & N’famady Kouyaté

7.30pm, Corn Exchange, Royal Pavilion Gardens, BN1 1EE

African Soul Rebels is reborn for a new era – celebrating fearless artists who reshape tradition, challenge borders and put rhythm at the centre of resistance and joy.

Leading the charge are the electrifying Les Amazones d’Afrique, the powerhouse collective of West African artists whose music fuses ancient roots with urgent, future-facing sounds and a message of strength, unity and change.

Joining them is the phenomenal not-so-traditional babatoni player Gasper Nali from the shores of Lake Malawi, and Guinean balafon player N'famady Kouyaté.

Learn more and book your tickets on Brighton Dome’s website.

Monday 5 October 

Status FLO: Black History Month

8pm, Brighton Dome

In this Black History Month special, AFLO. the poet is joined by Maureen Onwunali

Brighton legend AFLO. the poet brings together award-winning poets and the city's freshest voices in a series of uplifting spoken word nights that challenge the status quo with rhythm and flow. Thought-provoking and full of heart, each event is a chance to experience spoken word at its finest.

Learn more about the event and book your tickets on Brighton Dome's website.

Tuesday 6 October 

Stronger & healthier together: An Aging Well Festival event for racialised minorities (50+) 

11am to 3pm, Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, BN1 1AF

Join us to try out new wellbeing activities, learn more about health and wellbeing and find out about support available from the council and partners across the city.

Free refreshments will be provided. 

For more information, contact hello@bridgingchange.co.uk or call 01273 234808.

Wednesday 7 October 

Repatriation and Shared Heritage: Making Connections between Brighton & Botswana

3pm to 4.30pm, Museum Lab, Brighton Museum, Royal Pavilion Gardens, BN1 1EE

In May 2026, Brighton & Hove Museum repatriated 45 objects to the Khama III Memorial Museum in Botswana. Discover their journey and learn more about this landmark, long-term project in a special talk and the premiere of a new short film.

The event is followed by a panel discussion about the benefits of shared heritage and repatriation for our communities, with:

Portia Tremlett, Curator of World Cultures at Brighton & Hove MuseumsJoAnn McGregor, Professor of Human Geography at the University of SussexBert Williams MBE of Brighton & Hove Black HistorySuchi Chatterjee of Brighton & Hove Black History

Learn more about the event and book your tickets on Brighton & Hove Museums' website.

Saturday 10 October & Sunday 11 October

Black History, Our History - BARCO Brighton Centre Takeover 2026

Saturday 10 October – 11am to 10pmSunday 11 October – 11am to 5pmThe Wing Brighton Centre, BN1 2GR

Join BARCO to celebrate Black History Month as they take over the Wing at the Brighton Centre.

Spread over two floors, expect to find two days of workshops and talks, as well as a brilliant showcase of local organisations and businesses, a cozy creative space, delicious food, music and theatre performances, and more! It promises to be a day considering the Black history of the whole city and celebrating the future of Black excellence. 

Book your free tickets on the Ticket Tailor website.

Thursday 15 October 

Feminist Book Club

7pm to 8.30pm, Afrori Books, Brighthelm Church & Community Centre, BN1 1YD

Join The Feminist Book Club at Afrori Books for a welcoming monthly discussion celebrating Black literature, feminist thought and inclusive conversation. Hosted by Dr Nat Arias, the book club provides a friendly and supportive space to explore books by Black authors through a feminist lens while encouraging thoughtful discussion and new perspectives.

Meeting on the third Thursday of every month, each session focuses on a different title from Afrori Books’ carefully curated collection. Whether exploring fiction, memoir or contemporary non-fiction, participants are invited to discuss themes of identity, race, gender, community and social justice in an open and respectful environment.

Saturday 24 October 

Brighton Family Bookfest

10am to 4.30pm, Jubilee Library, Jubilee St, BN1 1GE

For the first time ever, Brighton Book Festival is joining with forces with independent bookshops The Book Nook, Afrori Books, Little Green Pig, Brighton Youth Centre and the Brighton & Hove Library service to present a book festival dedicated to children, young people and families.

Craft, storytime, open mic, graphic novel workshop, a draw off competition and lots more make this a festival for all ages! 

Entry is free and refreshments will be available.

Monday 26 October 

Storytime at Hove Museum: Black History Month

10.30am to 10.50am, 12 noon to 12.20pm and 3pm to 3.20pm, Hove Museum of Creativity, 19 New Church Road, BN3 4AB

Join our expert storytellers for stories from around the world. Upstairs at Hove Museum. All ages (children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult).

The event is free, no need to book, just drop in.

Tuesday 27 October 

Storytime at Brighton Museum: Black History Month

10.30am to 10.50am, 12 noon to 12.20pm and 3pm to 3.20pm, Brighton Museum, Royal Pavilion Gardens, BN1 1EE

Join our expert storytellers and hear stories from around the world in the Archaeology Gallery. All ages (children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult).

The event is free, no need to book, just drop in.

Thursday 29 October 

Museum Makers at Brighton Museum: Black History Month

10am to 11.30am and 2pm to 3.30pm, Brighton Museum, Royal Pavilion Gardens, BN1 1EE

Celebrate Black History with arts and crafts, inspired by objects from the museum’s world cultures collection. Event intended for children between the ages of 5 to 12, children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Learn more and book your tickets on Brighton & Hove Museums' website.

Friday 30 October 

Museum Makers at Hove Museum: Black History Month

10am to 11.30am and 2pm to 3.30pm, Hove Museum of Creativity, 19 New Church Road, BN3 4AB

Celebrate Black History with arts and crafts, inspired by objects from the museum’s world cultures collection. Event intended for children between the ages of 5 to 12, children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Learn more and book your tickets on Brighton & Hove Museums' website.

Saturday 7 November 

Family Day Take Part 2026

8pm, Brighton Dome

Brighton's biggest free celebration of arts, culture and heritage honouring the diaspora communities in this city.

Bring your friends and family for a day of joy and connection with workshops, performances, global cuisine and more!

Learn more about the event on Brighton Dome's website.

Exhibitions

Black History in Church spaces 

St Luke's Church Prestonville, 64 Old Shoreham Rd, BN1 5DD

Launch event on Saturday 3 October 2026 at 2pm

Diocese of Chichester presents a powerful programme celebrating the stories, faith, resilience and contributions of Black people within the Church and wider British society.

From the lives of Olaudah Equiano and Roque Ferdinand to the legacy of the SS Mendi and the Uganda Martyrs, this exhibition invites us to reflect on history, memory and belonging.

You can also explore more event listings on the Black History Month website.

Discovering Black stories

Visitors of our libraries are 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.