Beyond a Month: Celebrating Black History and Shaping Brighter Futures

Black History Month is a time to honour resilience, creativity, and leadership across generations: to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and imagine brighter, fairer futures for all.

This year’s theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride, invites us to recognise the extraordinary contributions of Black communities while continuing the vital work toward inclusion and equity. At UK Youth, inclusion is a core value that underpins everything we do, and we’re proud to stand firm in that commitment – working together to create opportunities, challenge inequality, and champion the young changemakers shaping a better tomorrow.

Power in Practice: Learning from History and Today

Black history is not confined to the past — it’s being made every day. One powerful example is Major General Lorna M. Mahlock, born in Kingston, Jamaica, who became the first Black woman Major General in the history of the United States Marine Corps.

From enlisting at 17 to earning multiple master’s degrees and leading the US Cyber National Mission Force, her journey is a testament to resilience, discipline, and unwavering leadership. Major General Mahlock’s story reminds us that standing firm in power and pride means showing up with integrity and courage, even when the world challenges your right to lead.

As we celebrate achievements like hers, we also recognise that true progress comes from sustained commitment: not just in one month, but throughout the year.

Supporting One Another 

At UK Youth, we know that the current global and national climate can feel heavy for many in our community. While we celebrate, we also stand in solidarity with colleagues, young people, and partners who are impacted by racism, discrimination, and exclusion. 

We want to make sure everyone has access to support and spaces to connect, including: 

• Black Minds Matter – offering culturally competent therapy that connects Black individuals and families with Black therapists. 
• The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network – the UK’s largest community of counsellors and psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian, and Caribbean heritage.

These spaces are here for everyone who wants to learn, listen, and lead with empathy. 

Looking Ahead: Power, Pride, and Collective Action

Throughout October, we’ll be sharing more stories, reflections, and resources to celebrate Black History Month:

• A spotlight blog post on our collaboration with People’s Postcode Lottery, celebrating the incredible impact of our Young Changemakers programme: which empowers young Black women to lead change in their communities, amplify their voices, and inspire others to stand firm in power and pride.
• Sign up here for the next network engagement session to look back on our Young Changemakers programme. You can learn more about the programme, its impact from one of the youth organisations that delivered it, and the insights from our final report, ‘A Space To Be Me’.
• A blog post on learning to lead differently and how anti-racism training is shaping brighter futures at UK Youth.
• We’re creating a space for open and honest dialogue. Join youth organisations, workers, volunteers, and partners to respond to racism, Islamophobia, and all forms of divisive rhetoric. Watch this space for information on the next “Standing in Solidarity” session being held on 14 November. Here is a coordinated response for youth organisations set out by UK Youth, the National Youth Agency, and Regional Youth Work Units. 

Black History Month isn’t just about looking back — it’s about how we move forward together.

👉 Explore our collection of resources and stories to keep learning, celebrating, and taking action — not just this month, but all year round.