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Every October in the UK, Black History Month (BHM) invites us to pause, reflect, celebrate and engage. It’s a moment to amplify voices, reclaim narratives and embed Black stories more deeply into cultural memory. The UK first observed BHM in 1987, thanks to the advocacy of Ghanaian activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo. The choice of October links to the academic calendar and traditional times of gathering in some African traditions.

In 2025, the national theme is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride” - a call to boldly assert presence, agency and equity in systems that often marginalize.

But how does that translate locally - notably in Sussex, where grassroots energy and local organisations are doing the work of making this theme lived and real?

Brighton & Hove: Local Momentum + Institutional Support

Brighton & Hove Council has committed to flying the Black History Month flag at the town halls over October, signaling a visible commitment to recognition and awareness.

At the same time, Brighton & Hove Libraries are engaging in storytelling, exhibitions and celebrations of Black creatives. 

These institutional gestures matter. But what really drives impact is grassroots coordination, cultural programming and meaningful collaboration. That’s where BLK Brighton Collective enters the frame.

BLK Brighton Collective: Amplifying Local Voices

The BLK Brighton Collective describes itself as a “non-profit, community-rooted platform dedicated to amplifying Black voices, visibility and initiatives across Brighton & Hove, Sussex, and beyond.”

Originally born as an Instagram space during the 2020 uprisings, the Collective has since grown into a multi-platform community tool: curating events, promoting Black-led initiatives and serving as a central calendar for what’s happening in the city.

Black at Sussex are proud to colaborate with BLK Brighton - BLK Brighton received grant funding to produce the calander from Black at Sussex as well as strategic support to develop the website.

BLK Brighton’s October “spotlight” posts featuring offers, resources and events from Black-led or allied organisations in the city. Instagram

October Events to Watch — Brighton & Beyond

Here are a few notable events happening this October in Brighton / Sussex, plus across the UK, that align with the spirit of Black History Month:

In Brighton / Local

• Black Brighton Market — Sat 4 October, 12pm–4pm at The Actors, Kemptown. A marketplace where Black people and People of Colour can showcase art, goods, services, and performances.

• BARCO - Community Crowns of Culture takeover - Sunday 26th October at Ironworks Studios, Brighton. A day filled with workshops, performances and community enjoyment. Free to attend and open to all.

• Alumni Portraits Exhibition: Launch of the full Eddie Otchere alumni portrait series in the Library. Eddie will open this year’s programme at an event in the Library on 15 October from 5pm–7pm.

• BARCO x Brighton & Hove Museums – ‘Black Lives Matter’: A co-curated art exhibition to be hosted on campus in the Library. BARCO (Brighton & Hove Anti Racism Community Organisation) aims to improve the lives and experiences of Black people living, working, studying and visiting Brighton & Hove.

• Mid Street Lab – ‘Bridging Heritage’: Student-centred activations including an interactive photo exhibition (on campus and at The Vault in Brighton), a group show across seafront venues, creative mapping of Black-owned/cultural sites, and community art walks.

• BHASVIC Black History Month Outreach: An outreach stall hosted by Black at Sussex at BHASVIC sixth form college on 9 October.

• Welcome Week/Reading Culture: Afrori Books partnership activity during Welcome Week and launch of Black at Sussex book clubs. The first will be open to Black participants initially and, following that, will be open to all.

Across the UK

• In London: walks such as “Fighting the Slave Master: Past and Present” (4 Oct), “Afro Futurism, Spirituality and the Black Image” (9 Oct), and more.

• In Birmingham: the launch of BHM includes a Benjamin Zephaniah Community Lecture on 1 October.

These are just snapshots. To explore further things happening locally visit https://blkbrightoncollective.co.uk/

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