Black History Month Conference 2025

Join us for a powerful day of reflection, celebration, and courageous conversation.

Black History Month 2025 is a time to honour the strength, creativity, and brilliance of Black communities—past, present, and future. This year’s theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride, calls us to recognise not only the struggles, but the resilience, resistance, and achievements that shape Black British life.

Hosted at the iconic Martin Luther King House in Manchester, this one-day conference brings together community leaders, students, families, educators, and professionals for a dynamic and inspiring programme. Expect thought-provoking speakers, creative performances, lived experience panels, and practical actions we can all take to build a more inclusive and just society.

This is more than a conference—it’s a call to action. Come ready to learn, connect, and stand firm in your own power and pride.

🎟️ Spaces are limited—book early to avoid disappointment.

AGENDA

09:30 – 10:00 | Arrival, Registration & Networking

• Community stalls, music by local Black artists, free refreshments
• Interactive welcome wall: “What does Pride and Power mean to you?”

10:00 – 10:20 | Opening Ceremony

• Welcome from Host/Chair
• Spoken Word Performance: "Rooted in Power" by a young poet
• Context of the theme and why this gathering matters

10:20 – 11:00 | Keynote Panel: Standing Firm in 2025

• A multi-generational panel of Black voices (students, parents, professionals, elders)
• Themes: Power, Pride, Purpose – how we keep showing up

11:00 – 11:45 | Breakout 1: Lived Experience Circles

Participants choose from:

• 💼 Black in the Workplace: Bias, Progression, and Power
• 🏫 Black in Education: School, Curriculum & Identity
• 🧠 Mental Health & Joy: Healing, Community & Resistance
• 🗣 Young & Unapologetic: Students' Stories and Strength

Facilitated by trained inclusion leaders. Brave space guidelines shared.

11:45 – 12:15 | Break & Creative Uplift

• Art installation walkthrough: “Portraits of Power”
• Music from local Black musicians / student bands

12:15 – 13:00 | Courageous Conversations Roundtables

• Mixed groups by role/age
• Topics: Anti-racism in action, breaking silence, intergenerational learning
• Table Hosts to note key ideas and themes for summary wall  

13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch & Marketplace

• Catered by Black-owned food vendors
• Resource fair: youth services, mentoring programmes, EDI groups
• Book corner: celebrating Black authors & illustrators

14:00 – 14:45 | Interactive Workshop: From Pain to Power

• Guided storytelling and action planning session
• Participants map what needs to change and commit to one action

14:45 – 15:15 | Spotlight Sessions

• Short talks from:
• Black teachers transforming education
• Parents leading change
• Young activists creating joy and justice

15:15 – 15:45 | Call to Action: Moving from Conversation to Commitment

• Summary of key ideas shared
•  Collaborative pledge: “Our Stand in Power & Pride”
• Conference mural unveiling

15:45 – 16:00 | Closing Remarks & Celebration

• Final words from youth co-hosts
• Group photo & performance: Choir/Drummers to close with energy

Register Now

Don't miss this unique opportunity to be part of a transformative dialogue and take meaningful action towards embedding storytelling into the anti-racist curriculum. Join us in creating educational spaces where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

register now to secure your spot at our Black History Month event on 21 October 2025