Black History Month 2026

07 Oct 2026

Honouring our communities

Black History Month is a time to recognise the histories, achievements and continuing contributions of Black heritage people across the UK and beyond. This year’s theme, ‘Honouring our Communities’, asks us to value the people, relationships and collective work that sustain our communities . It invites us to reflect how we create an environment in which people feel heard, supported and a strong sense beloning all year round.

Professor Toni Haastrup, Academic Lead for EDI (Race):

“For me, this year's theme reminds us that Black History Month means more than celebrating who we are. It also demands accountability from all of us. That means a willingness to confront barriers that continue to shape people's experiences wherever they occur, and to turn recognition into meaningful change."

Get involved at the university

A History of Black Theatre in Manchester 1827-2020: celebrating presence

Presented in collaboration with the drama department, Creative Manchester is delighted to host this exhibition exploring the artistry and entrepreneurship of people of African and Afro-Caribbean descent in theatre and performance in Manchester. You can also explore the exhibition in your own time until 30 October.

When: Thursday 8 October, 4.00pm – 6.30pm
Where: Samuel Alexander Building (exact location confirmed with booking)
Sign up here

Centre on Dynamics of Ethnicity seminar: Transnational Black culture in Liverpool in the final decades of the 20th century: legacies of West Africa in the so-called ‘second city of empire’ With Professor Stephen Small (University of California, Berkeley)

When: Thursday 15 October, 1.00pm – 2.30pm
Where: G30/31 Arthur Lewis Building
Sign up here to join in person or online

Racialised Italians: Before and After Brexit

Organised by our Italian Staff Network, this event will explore the experiences of racialised Italians in the UK, including migration, citizenship and belonging, discrimination, and the impact of Brexit and the EU Settlement Scheme.

When: Friday 16 October, 3.30pm - 5.00pm

Where: Rutherford Theatre, Schuster Building

Sign up here

Black History Month poster display

A celebration of Black heritage individuals — community leaders, teachers, nurses, volunteers — whose work strengthens communities and shapes change. One of the honorees is Professor of Mental Health & Inclusivity, Dawn Edge. Professor Edge has been recognised for her research, teaching and community engagement that champions health services that recognise people’s cultural backgrounds and respond to their individual needs.

When: Drop in between Monday 19 – Friday 30 October

Where: Ground floor, University Place

'Honouring our UoM Community' Portrait Project Launch

Event honouring Black heritage colleagues at our university including alumni, colleagues and students through photography and storytelling. Images will be displayed across campus and preserved in the University archives for everybody to explore.

When: Friday 23 October, 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Where: Kanaris Theatre, Manchester Museum

Sign up here

Black History Month community playlist

We’re asking students and colleagues to share one song you’re enjoying right now that, for you, connects in some way with this year’s BHM theme: Honouring Our Communities. Your choice might remind you of home. It might make you think about friendship, family or community. It might capture joy, solidarity, creativity, resistance.

Submit your song choice here

The rhythm of belonging: poetry workshop

Workshop to explore and articulate journeys of belonging through the power of the spoken word. This session is open to all Black Heritage colleagues from across the University and absolutely no prior experience in writing poetry is required! The only things you’ll need to bring with you are curiosity and a willingness to give it a go.

When: Wednesday 28 October, 1:30pm – 3.50pm

Where: location tbc, sign-up link to follow.

Black History Month Storytelling with CALFE

A family‑friendly day of African and Caribbean storytelling, illustration, drumming and creative workshops for children aged 4–11. Visitors can also explore the Museum’s Decolonise Trail, prompting reflection on how museums shape narratives and whose voices are centred or missing.

When: Saturday 31 October, 12.00pm – 5.00pm

Where: Manchester Museum

Sign up here

Pan‑African Legacies Walk

A guided walk along Oxford Road, tracing more than a century of Black resistance, creativity, scholarship and community organising in Manchester.

When: Wednesday 4 November, 11.00am – 12.30pm

Where: Information and booking link to follow

What's on in Manchester?

World Cotton Day

Mark World Cotton Day with talks, workshops and live demonstrations exploring cotton’s global connections and Manchester’s textile heritage. Join both day and evening events, with live music and guest speakers including Professor Duncan Ivison, Keisha Thompson and Cleo Lake

When: Wednesday 7 October, 2.30pm – 5.00pm for daytime activities and 6.00pm – 10.00pm for evening activities

Where: Science and Industry Museum

Sign up here

We will be updating this page with more events and activities, so please do check back. If you'd like to add anything, get in touch at uninews@manchester.ac.uk