Throughout October, communities, schools, churches and organisations across the country will mark Black History Month.
Throughout October, communities, schools, churches and organisations across the country will mark Black History Month, celebrating the contributions Black people have made, and continue to make, to Britain’s past, present and future.
The theme for 2026 is Honouring Our Communities. It invites us to recognise the people whose everyday acts of leadership, service and care help communities to flourish.
Volunteers who give their time generously in our parishes, teachers and clergy who encourage and inspire, nurses and carers who offer compassion, and community leaders who bring people together. Black History Month offers an opportunity to listen to their experiences, celebrate their achievements and ensure their stories are recognised.
As Christians, we believe that every person is made in the image of God and should be treated with dignity, respect and love. Black History Month gives churches an opportunity to celebrate our gifts, learn from the experiences of Black people and reflect honestly on whose stories are heard, whose contributions are recognised and where voices may still be overlooked.
This work is not limited to one month. Learning, listening and working for racial justice is part of our continuing commitment to becoming a Church in which everyone is welcomed, valued and able to participate fully.
Churches and individuals could mark Black History Month by:
Working with the Shades Racial Justice and Faith Team and schools in Bolton, we have created two films A Million Colours and It’s Not Alright. These can be shown in services, shared on social media and used in Sunday School session or youth groups.
After the Flood: The Church, Slavery and Reconciliation addresses the historical neglect of African Chattel Enslavement in British Christian history and explores biblical principles for racial reconciliation in our churches today. Archbishop Stephen Cottrell recommended this “to Bible Study and other small groups to help reflect on the meaning of us being truly one in Christ.”
