Black History Month
Celebrating Black History Month at UWE Bristol.
Celebrating Black History Month at UWE Bristol
At UWE Bristol, our ultimate goal is to foster a society where Black history and experiences are valued, celebrated, and integrated into mainstream consciousness throughout the entire year, promoting a more inclusive and equitable understanding of history.
This year's national theme is Standing Firm in Pride and Power. It celebrates the strength, resilience and achievements of Black communities, past, present and future. The theme invites us to honour the legacies of those who have paved the way, while recognising the ongoing contributions of Black individuals who continue to shape society with pride and purpose. It’s also a call to ensure that Black history is not only remembered, but uplifted and celebrated.
October is Black History Month. However, we recognise that Black history should never be a task or check box for people to complete for one month of the year. Recognising and learning Black history should be a constant activity.
Through a more inclusive and diverse curriculum, Black history can be celebrated every day and treated as a crucial and essential part of our historical discourse and understanding.
Roger Griffith and Steve West in conversation
Roger Griffith joins Steve West to discuss Black History Month and UWE Bristol. This is part one of a series — continue watching the conversation in part two and part three and find related content in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion playlist.
Celebrating Excellence - first edition
Inspiring stories of excellence from Black professionals to fields of Science, Health, Education and Society.
Celebrating Excellence - second edition
This edition of Celebrating Excellence provides an interdisciplinary, cross-university exposition of the brilliance that Black heritage professionals add to UWE Bristol and the Higher Education sector.
If you would like to the see the most recent progression and achievements of staff highlighted in the Celebrating Excellence expositions, please search and view their UWE staff profiles.
Black History Month events
This year Bristol celebrates an impressive programme for Black History Month.
Tue 06 October 2026, 18:00
Honouring our communities: Celebrating Black Bristol
Hybrid
Celebrate the people shaping Black community identity, wellbeing, culture and leadership across Bristol and the Southwest.
Thu 08 October 2026, 17:30
Film screening and discussion
2D007, Frenchay Campus
Join us for an in-person event where we'll be screening the film Small Axe: Education by the award-winning director Steve McQueen.
Sun 11 October 2026, 17:30
The Six Triple Eight
Purdown View, MOVE Studio, Frenchay Campus
A Black History Month screening of The Six Triple Eight. Enjoy tea, make a toastie, and be inspired by this remarkable true story.
Mon 19 October 2026, 17:30
Paint a tote bag
Room 3S501, S Block, Frenchay Campus
Design your own tote bag inspired by traditional African prints. Get creative with free materials and take home a unique bag.
Thu 22 October 2026, 12:00
The Beyond Black History Month Book Club
4B031, Frenchay Campus
The Beyond Black History Month Book Club invites staff and students to join us for a lunchtime screening of three thought-provoking short films.
Thu 22 October 2026, 17:30
Hip-hop karaoke evening
Purdown View Student Life Hub, Frenchay Campus
Celebrate Black History Month with hip-hop karaoke! Perform your favourite tracks, enjoy great food, good vibes, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Fri 23 October 2026, 17:30
Film evening: The best of enemies
Purdown View MOVE Studio, Frenchay Campus
A film about the true relationship between and African American civil rights activist and a local Ku Klux Klan leader.
Mon 26 October 2026, 17:00
Film screening and discussion
Room number TBC, Frenchay Campus
Join us to watch and discuss the film Mangrove of the Small Axe collection of films. All UWE Bristol staff and students welcome, no booking is required.
What is happening in Black History Month?
You can find out more about Black History Month from:
- the UWE Bristol events diary
- The Students' Union at UWE, who have a number of events
- Bristol City Council, who have also published a programme of highlights
- Black History Month national website.
You may also be interested in
Equity, diversity and inclusivity
Equity, diversity and inclusivity underpin the University's core values. We support a positive experience and learning for all.
Black history resources
Find out more about Black history using our physical and digital library collections.
About us
Information about our structure and strategy, departments, working at the University and how to find us.