Black History Month

Every October, Black History Month (BHM) in the UK celebrates black history, arts, and culture.

The theme for 2024 will be 'Reclaiming Narratives', marking a shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture.

If you are planning an activity for Black History Month, or an EDI event at any time of the year, please get in touch with the EDI Centre.

Black History Month October 2023

2023's theme was 'Saluting Our Sisters' and saw a range of events across Imperial, including:

  • Imperial's 2023 Beyond Ethnicity Career Conference (BECC), with a keynote address from Eric Collins, American businessman, serial entrepreneur, and technology expert.
  • A talk from Ambassador Yvette Stevens, showcasing the contribution of black people to modern science and technology over the ages.
  • A screening of the film Coded Bias, followed by a Q&A with Director Shalini Kantayya.

Previous years

At Imperial we have marked the month in the past with a range of events including from talks from successful Black academics and professionals, workshops, panel discussions, and social events. In 2018 Imperial celebrated with a digital exhibition that took over the screens across campuses. We showcased black staff, students and alumni, and recognised the inspiring work of renowned black scientists past and present. 

In October 2018 Imperial As One invited Sarah Rogers from Anthony Nolan and Calvin Campbell from B-Positive Choir to discuss Saving the Lives of People with Blood Cancer - The need to diversify the UK’s Stem Cell Register. This lunctime talk is available to stream and provides valuable insight into how taking a more inclusive approach to medical science can benefit groups who are at the sharp end of health inequality.

Members of Imperial community on BHM Month and need for change Play video
Members of Imperial community on BHM Month and need for change

Less Talk, More Action

Every individual at Imperial should feel safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to their place of work or study. 

For BHM 2020 we spoke to members of our community about why the Month is important, what changes we as an institution need to make, and their vision of a bright future.

Chi Onwurah, MP, reflects on her own experiences of studying and working in STEM and what universities need to do. Play video
Chi Onwurah, MP, reflects on her own experiences of studying and working in STEM and what universities need to do.

The importance of diversity in STEMM

As part of BHM 2018, Imperial invited Chi Onwurah MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Diversity and Inclusion in STEM. 

Chi reflected on her own experiences of studying and working in STEM and what universities need to do. She also talked about the importance of diversity as an economic imperative and focuses on the need for systematic change.