Black History Month 2023

Black History Month has been celebrated in the UK for over 30 years. In 2023, celebrating the contributions and achievements of black communities in Leicester and Leicestershire, and across the UK, has never been more important. On this page we have put together a collection of useful books, web resources, podcasts and other media that might offer some insight and understanding into the significance of Black History Month. The theme for Black History Month 2023 is ‘Saluting our Sisters’ which highlights the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. This year’s celebration will showcase pioneering black women who have made remarkable contributions to literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more.

Web Resources & Events

  • Serendipity Leicester- View programme of events that promote the history and contributions of African and Caribbean communities.
  • RF Life links A Mental Health and Well-being Recovery Education Workshop created for this year’s Black History Month
  • Windrush Foundation – Stories from pioneers of the Windrush generations, events and resources for KS2 and 3
  • Black History Month UK – Celebrating black history across the UK 365 days a year
  • 2 Funky Arts are holding events dedicated for Black History Month

Recommended reading

  • Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
  • Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire by Akala
  • Don’t Touch my Hair by Emma Dabiri
  • Me and White Supremacy by Layla F Saad
  • White Fragility by Robin Diangelo
  • Brit(ish) by Afua Hirsch
  • The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla and more British BAME writers
  • Poet by Salena Godden
  • Nightingale Point by Luan Goldie
  • The Racial Healing Handbook by Anneliese A Singh
  • I Am Not Your Baby Mother by Candice Brathwaite
  • Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn,
  • The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon,
  • The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas,
  • They Can’t Kill Us All by Wesley Lowery
  • Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn
  • The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon
  • The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
  • They Can’t Kill Us All by Wesley Lowery

Children’s Books

  • My Body, your Body: Hair by Book Life Publishing
    Ages 3-6. Discuss hair in a matter of fact way. All hair is great!
  • This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell
    Age 11-15. Years Engage, Listen & Learn about racism. Examine social identity, ethnicity, race.
  • A Kids Book about Racism by Jelani Memory
    Age 4+ Years. A clear explanation of racism that children will understand and engage with. Full of questions and conversation starters.
  • Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson
    Age 6-9 Years. Telling the story of children marching for their rights during the civil rights movement in 1960s Alabama.
  • Anti-Racist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi
    Age 0-5 Years. Take your first steps with Antiracist Baby! Or rather, follow Antiracist Baby’s nine easy steps for building a more equitable world

Podcasts

  • Black History Buff by King Kurus
    The Black History Buff podcast is a fun and thrilling journey through time. Covering the full historical tapestry of the African Diaspora, you’ll hear tales covering everything from African Samurai to pistol-wielding poets. More than just a podcast, the show is a bridge that links communities throughout the African diaspora and enlightens and empowers its friends.
  • Everyday Black History: Afro Appreciation
    Where we highlight the contributions of Black Men and Women both Past and present. Here we celebrate Afro Appreciation, where Black American, Africans and Latinos of African descent are honored. We also highlight Institutions that have help the advancement of people in the African Diaspora, such as historically Black University and many others.
  • About Race by Reni Edo-lodge
    Featuring key voices from the last few decades of anti-racist activism, About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge looks at the recent history that lead to the politics of today.
  • Blacticulate by Ade Bamgbala
    A Black British podcast featuring young Black professionals, where we find out how they do what they do so you can too.

Documentaries/Films/Talks

  • Ted Talks – A number of different Ted Talks on race
  • BBC iPlayer – A collection of programmes exploring black history and culture
  • Netflix – Learn more about racial injustice and the Black experience in America with this collection of films, series and documentaries
  • Channel 4 – A celebration of Black lives and Black culture

Social Media

  • UK Black History Month – Black History 365 is an online platform celebrating Black History Arts and Culture throughout the UK.
    Twitter – @BhmUK
  • Diverse Kids Books- books for children of all ages celebrating diversity
    Instagram – @Diverse_Kids_Books
  • Every Day Racism UK – Anti-Racism Activists // Amplifying BIPOC stories
    Instagram – @everydayracism_
  • The Conscious Kid – Parenting and Education through a Critical Race Lens
    Twitter – @consciouskidlib
    Instagram – @theconsciouskid
  • Munroe Bergdorf – Tran’s Rights and Anti-Racism Activist and Model.
    Twitter – @MunroeBergdorf
    Instagram – @munroebergdorf
  • Dr Sola Mosi – Lawyer, Political & Women’s Rights Activist, Founder @wilpublication
    Twitter – @SholaMos1
    Instagram – @sholamos1
  • The Black Curriculum- We teach Black British History in schools and out of schools to young people around the UK, – all year round using a range of art forms
    Twitter – @CurriculumBlack
    Instagram – @theblackcurriculum