Black History Month 2025
- Written byStudent Communications
- Published date 01 October 2025
Each October, we celebrate Black History Month (BHM) at UAL, celebrating the cultures, creativity and impact of our Black students, staff and alumni. We also use it as an opportunity to acknowledge the historic contribution that Black people have had on society here in the UK and across the globe. We understand that Black history in this country is very much part of British history.
Be sure to visit our BHM webpage to keep up to date with events, news/stories and resources throughout the month.
The theme for this year’s BHM is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’, described on BHM.org as:
“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.”
How can I get involved with BHM at UAL?
There’s a wide range of events for you to enjoy this Black History Month, from panels to workshops to life drawing, there’s something for all of us to enjoy.
- Visit our BHM events listing and book your place on events now
- Try a themed dish at one of our canteens
- Join Arts SU for a screening of 'Coming to America'
- Explore what Halls Life have planned
- Join the African Caribbean Society and attend their Black Pub Quiz on 10 October
- Explore the Black Creatives Hub
Support UAL graduates
Check out BA (Hons) Photography graduate Jennie Baptiste's solo exhibition, Rhythm & Roots, at Somerset House from 17 October to 4 January 2026.
Spanning 3 decades of photography, Rhythm & Roots showcases iconic and previously unseen portraits from Jennie's archive, celebrating the rich cultural influence of Black British communities across music, fashion and youth identity. From the flamboyant energy of London’s dancehall scene to the rise of hip hop and R&B, Jennie's lens offers a vital visual record of a generation in motion.