Black History Month: Standing Firm in Power and Pride

This October, we celebrated Black History Month with a series of activities centered on this year’s theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride. This theme offers, in the words of Black History Month UK (2025), “a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe. This year, the theme highlights the profound contributions made by Black people, be they leaders, activists, or pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth.”

The programme featured engaging talks from external speakers, including Kyra Edwards, who shared her life story and career as a GB rower, and Fayida Jailler, who explored the African diaspora across the world. Staff also delivered impactful presentations, including Mr Wilderspin’s talk for the Music Society, Say It Loud: Pride, Passion and Protest in Black Funk and Soul Music, 1967–73.

Across the month, students attended Black History Month house assemblies reflecting on the importance of the theme, and the celebration extended to the dining hall with a special Caribbean-themed lunch menu. On Friday 17 November, the Atrium came alive with the rhythms of a Djembe Drumming workshop, rounding off a month of learning, reflection, and celebration.

The full programme for October can be seen below.