Get involved in Black History Month this October
Black History Month recognises and celebrates the achievements, history and contribution of Black people and communities around the world while reflecting on the struggles against racism and inequality.
At LJMU, we've got several events across the month and beyond to recognise and celebrate Black History Month and individuals across our LJMU community.
Reflecting on Liverpool and Black History Month
Our Associate Director for Diversity & Inclusion, Moni Akinsanya shares her reflections on the city and its story as Black History Month 2025 begins:
Liverpool is a city where history is never far from the surface. Liverpool’s streets, docks, and neighbourhoods carry stories that are both painful and powerful. They remind us not to confine Black history to museums or special months but to let it inform our present and future.
Liverpool’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade is well known, but it is still striking to remember how much of the city’s wealth was built on the back of human suffering. Walk around Canning Dock, located between Pier Head and Albert Dock, and you are literally standing on ground shaped by that trade.
But alongside that painful legacy is a story of resilience. Liverpool is home to some of the oldest Black communities in Europe. Somali seamen, West African sailors, and generations of Caribbean families made Liverpool their home, long before “multiculturalism” was a recognised word. In Toxteth and Granby Street, Black families built communities against the odds, and their legacy continues today.
While we celebrate Black History Month, we must also face the reality of persistent inequalities. Black Liverpudlians still experience disparities in housing, employment, education, and health. In universities, the Black degree-awarding gap remains a reality and is something we at LJMU are acting upon.
Black History Month should not be about dusting off the archives once a year. It ought to be about ensuring that Black communities are heard, seen, and respected every day of the year, and embedding equity into strategy, policy, and culture.
While we celebrate Black History Month, we must also face the reality of persistent inequalities.
Moni Akinsanya, Associate Director Diversity and Inclusion
Events at LJMU this Black History Month and beyond
There are several events across the university this month and beyond, for staff, students and the wider Liverpool community.
1 October
To celebrate Black History Month (BHM) 2025, Student Futures is launching a podcast series which was devised and hosted by four student Co-Creation Interns - Joy, Raghad, Ali and Nail who are studying Law, Biotechnology, International Relations and Politics, and Pharmacy respectively which helps celebrate Black and ethnically diverse student voices at LJMU and discusses how the university can further improve inclusivity within employability and career support. You can listen to the podcast below.
15 October
Open to students: Celebrating Black Voices: Stories, Culture & Representation
All students are invited to join our Black History Month Celebration event on 15 October at 1pm at the Student Life Building. The event will feature talks and discussions and be hosted by our Student Futures team.
Come celebrate, connect, and discover the inspiring work of our student leaders as we continue to amplify student voices and challenge inequality across the university and wider community. LJMU students can sign up to the event.
5 November
Open to students, staff and the LJMU community: Black History Month Symposium: Beyond Black History Month.
This event will build on the momentum of October because Black history and celebration cannot be confined to just one month. While dedicating a month to Black culture and history shines a vital spotlight on key issues, the message is clear: real change happens when inclusion and equity are lived and embedded all year round.
As part of this event, attendees will hear from:
- Professor David Olusoga OBE BAFTA-winning historian
- Nicola Adams OBE, Olympic Gold Medallist, who will be involved in a conversation on navigating race, gender, identity and power in present day UK
- Professor Marcia Wilson; Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education, Birmingham City University
- Dr. Victoria Ibezim, UCLAN, Researcher and author of the recently published article on 'A Systematic Review Exploring Black Students’ Experiences in UK Higher Education'
All students, staff and the wider LJMU community are invited to this event for what promises to be a time of deep learning and reflection.
The symposium is free to attend. Tickets are limited, so please ensure you register via Eventbrite.
John Moores Students’ Union events and resources
The Students’ Union have a variety of events and resources available to all students this Black History Month, from events, podcasts and books to resources for support. Take a look at the JMSU webpages.
Black History Month events across Liverpool
There are lots of events going on across the city for Black History Month 2025.
Find out more and sign up on the Culture Liverpool website.
