How To Celebrate Black History Month 2023

4 min read

Celebrating Black History Month is an opportunity for every one of us to recognise the invaluable contributions of Black people to British society. Do you want to get involved in Black History Month activities and celebrations for Black History Month? Then read on…

Black History Month Activities

We’re highlighting eight charities which are organising events and activities to celebrate Black History Month. Get ready to show your support and get involved… 

1. Black Lives Matter UK
Twitter/X: @ukblm | Insta: @blmuk

Black Lives Matter is a social and civil rights movement fighting and standing for racial equality and social justice. During this year’s Black History Month, Black Lives Matter UK are calling for reparatory justice for people of African descent, and they are running various Black History Month activities and events in London and in other parts of the UK. 

There’s a Black Farmers Market happening in Brixton on 09 October.

And a Windrush exhibition going on in Hertfordshire.

With many other events going on around the country, do check out their website for details of the various events celebrating Black History Month.

2. STOP HATE UK
Twitter/X: @stophateuk | Insta: @stop_hate_uk

Stop Hate UK was established in direct response to the murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993, who was killed in a racially motivated attack while waiting for a bus. Baroness Doreen Lawrence of Clarendon OBE, Stephen’s mother, is the patron of the charity. 

Stop Hate UK is now one of the leading organisations working to challenge all forms of hate crime and discrimination, and they operate the UK’s only free dedicated 24-hour reporting service for all types of hate crime (including hate crimes due to disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity). As part of their Black History Month activities, Stop Hate UK is encouraging everyone to organise their own movie night, in order to raise awareness and funds. 

So, could you organise a movie night for your friends and family? 

All the resources you need for it are here. There’s templates for promotional posters and tickets, social media posts, and a guide to selecting which films to show. You’ll just need to provide the popcorn! 

3. BLACK GIRLS HIKE
Twitter/X: @UkBgh | Insta: @bgh_uk

BGH was founded in 2019, to provide a safer space for Black women to explore the outdoors. The charity encourages Black women to reconnect with nature through nationwide group hikes, outdoor activity days, and training events. 

BGH have various hikes happening during Black History Month, so check their website to see if there’s one happening near you. 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Black Girls Hike UK C.I.C (@bgh_uk)

4. The Black Heroes Foundation
Twitter/X: @BlackHeroesInfo | Insta: @blackhereosfoundation

The Black Heroes Foundation uses the arts to promote a world where Black Heroes are acknowledged, respected and celebrated. The aim of the foundation is to eradicate ignorance of Black Heritage, encourage better understanding, and further enhance our multicultural society. 

While they may hold events during this year’s Black History Month, the Black Heroes Foundation are keen to note that every day is Black History Day, and that we should celebrate our heritage 365 days a year. 

5. Black Minds Matter
Twitter/X: @bmm_uk | Insta: @blackmindsmatter.uk 

Black Minds Matter UK is a charity that connects Black individuals and families with free mental health resources and therapy by qualified and accredited Black therapists. In doing so, they are removing the stigma around mental health, and remodelling services to be more relevant for the Black community.

And this change needs to happen.

In the year to March 2019, Black people were more than four times as likely as white people to be detained under the Mental Health Act. So if you’re in a financial position to support Black Minds Matter during Black History Month, that would be really meaningful.

6. UK BLACK PRIDE
Twitter/X: @ukblackpride | Insta: @ukblackpride 

UK Black Pride represents and celebrates Black LGBTQI+ and QTIPOC culture through education, the arts, cultural events, and advocacy. Their main event is an annual celebration during pride month, but they also hold various events throughout the year to create safer spaces to celebrate diverse sexualities, gender identities, cultures, gender expressions, and backgrounds. 

As part of their Black History Month activities, UK Black Pride are holding ‘Blacktoberfest’. The event will be hosted by Lady Phyll, and it’s set to be a vibrant gathering honouring the rich culture and contributions of Black and queer people, and celebrating their identities. 

Grab your ticket here.

7. Black Cultural Archives
Twitter/X: @bcaheritage | Insta: @bcaheritage

The mission of Black Cultural Archives is to collect, preserve and celebrate the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent in the UK, and to inspire and give strength to individuals, communities, and society. They have various Black History Month activities, exhibitions, and talks going on, and you can find all the details here. 

8. Power the Fight
Twitter/X: @PowerTheFightUK | Insta: @powerthefightuk

Launched in 2019, Power the Fight is an award-winning charity which tackles violence affecting young people. They create long-term solutions for sustainable change and act as a link between the community and policymakers.