“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” — Romans 15:4
Black British history is a shared history – it's all our history.
October marks Black History Month in the UK: a time to learn, reflect and celebrate Black British culture in all its forms. And while history is what the title emphasises, the verse from Romans above reminds us that our history does more than tell us about the past — it teaches us how we might journey through and shape our future in the way God and Christ would want us to. That extends to Black history too, which, though commemorated in October, can be celebrated all year round.
About Black History Month 2026
Black History Month has been marked in the UK every October since 1987, as a chance to recognise the history and achievements of Black communities in Britain, and to tell the stories that are too often left untold. Each year is given a national theme to focus that reflection: for 2026, it's 'Honouring Our Communities' – a celebration of the people, networks and places that have brought together and sustained Black communities across Britain.
We're honouring our communities by sharing events and resources, both local and national, that mark this year's theme and celebrate Black history and culture throughout October and beyond. This is part of our wider commitment to Racial Justice, which also includes truth-telling around our contested heritage, education through learning and development, and the ongoing work of building a Diocese where everyone can feel seen, heard and at home.
SPOTLIGHT ON WELLNESS
Q&A with Olivia Amartey
Join us for an upcoming interview-style Q&A with Olivia Amartey, Executive Director of Elim International, exploring what it really means to lead well without losing sight of your own wellbeing.
Drawing on a leadership journey that has taken her through major institutions including the NHS and into international ministry, Olivia will share honestly about navigating faith, strategic leadership and personal wellness.
Whether you’re from a Global Majority Heritage background, involved in ministry, or simply want to better support yourself and those around you, this is an opportunity to pause, reflect and take something practical away.
EVENTS
St Mary’s Church, Henbury │ Sunday, 18th October at 10:00 AM
Join St Mary’s Church, Henbury on Anti-Slavery Sunday. As part of the service, a Q&A with the Racial Justice team will explore the enduring legacy and impact of Transatlantic Chattel Slavery, what that means for us now, and how we can all engage with our contested heritage – and why it matters.
St Mary's church is in Church Close, Henbury, Bristol BS10 7QF. There is limited free on street parking, but there is alternative parking (£2 for 2) hours at Blaise Castle main car park off Kings Weston Road BS10 7QS
For more information please reach out to admin@stmaryshenbury.org.uk
Sam Sharpe Lecture │ Wednesday, 28th October at 7:00 PM
The Sam Sharpe Partners are delighted to invite you to the 2026 Annual Sam Sharpe Lecture, welcoming Reverend Merlyn Hyde Riley, General Secretary of the Jamaica Baptist Union. This year's lecture is titled 'Subverting Empire: Lessons from Sam Sharpe on Institutional Injustice and Church Responsibility.'
Merlyn Hyde Riley is an ordained minister with 25 years of pastoral experience. She currently serves as the General Secretary of the Jamaica Baptist Union and the Vice Moderator of the World Council of Churches Central Committee.
Merlyn is a practicing ecumenist with significant international experience in preaching and teaching. She relates to diverse audiences and peoples as she seeks to spread the Gospel of Christ through her engagement in the quest for justice, unity, and peace across the world.
Click here to RSVP or learn more.
Honouring Our Communities: Celebrating Black Bristol │Tuesday, 6th October at 6:00 PM
Join UWE for a special panel event celebrating the people shaping Black community identity, wellbeing, culture and leadership across Bristol and the Southwest.
Under the Black History Month theme "Honoring Our Communities", this conversation, in collaboration with UWE Bristol's Equity program, will be hosted by Stacey Olika, Creative Equity Project Manager at Channel 4 and Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe honouree.
Click here to RSVP or learn more.