*Updated October 2026*

Image source: Black History Month UK – Black History Month 2026

Resources:

I have updated this editable PowerPoint I made as an assembly to explain Black History Month, its history and its roots.

Download and edit the PowerPoint here:

Please note: I have left links to further reading and resources in the notes section of the PowerPoint.

I have also deliberately kept it plain so you can add your own school colours, logo and branding and adapt it to suit your context.

Also check out this assembly by an amazing former colleague of mine, Mrs Baker! Download it here:

What to do:

October is Black History Month in the United Kingdom.

What do you do? Do you do anything? Should you do anything?

There are always important discussions and debates around Black History Month and how schools approach it.

For my assembly, I decided to focus on the history and roots of Black History Month itself, rather than simply repeating messages about some of the most well-known Black historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela or Rosa Parks.

Of course, their stories matter.

But does everybody know about Harriet Tubman, Pablo Fanque or Florence Price, for example?

And whose other stories, achievements and experiences might our pupils never encounter unless we deliberately introduce them?

Here’s another resource/thread to explore:

Here’s a thread detailing some of the amazing lives, accomplishments and ways the UK has been enriched by these Black Britons…#BHM #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM21

— Amjad Ali (@TryThisTeaching) October 3, 2021

I have created an updated version here too.

Of course, Black history should be integral to the school curriculum and not simply a bolt-on during October.

However, for me, signposting, starting conversations and sharing resources is better than doing nothing – which, unfortunately, can still be the default.

Check out this fab resource by @lamb_heart_tea:

Black History Month. #BHM #BlackHistoryMonth

A resource which encourages students/parents/carers to find out about 31 people.

A range of texts, poems and cultural ideas too.

Editable ppt to personalise is here: https://t.co/csGuZ02u0k pic.twitter.com/pRLSdC2lbA

— LambHeartTea (she/her) (@lamb_heart_tea) September 29, 2022

Websites and resources to explore:

BAMEed Network – Black History resources

Black History Month 2026

BBC Teach – Black History Month primary and secondary resources

The Black Curriculum – Research and Review

Getty Images – 30,000 images documenting the Black diaspora in the UK and US

23 anticipated books by Black authors

Premier League Primary Stars – This is Everyone’s Game: Black Voices

British Army Supporting Education – Black History Month resources

More resources worth exploring:

The National Archives – Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Histories
A really useful collection bringing together classroom resources, original historical records, exhibitions, research guides, blogs and podcasts.
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/black-asian-and-minority-ethnic-histories/

The National Archives – The Empire Windrush
Classroom resources using historical documents, video, music and original footage to explore migration from the Caribbean and the experiences of the Windrush generation.

The National Archives – Teaching Resources
Search their wider collection of classroom resources, including Black British history, migration, empire, decolonisation and identity.

Historic England – Black British History
Stories, places and resources exploring centuries of Black history across England.

Historic England – Daphne Steele
A FREE downloadable classroom resource exploring the life of Daphne Steele, who became the first Black matron in the NHS.

Historic England – Jack Leslie
A FREE classroom resource exploring the story of Jack Leslie, the Black footballer selected to play for England in 1925 before his selection was withdrawn.

Don’t stop in October!

Black History Month shouldn’t become the only time pupils encounter Black history, voices, literature, achievements and experiences.

A useful question for schools might be:

What does our curriculum look like in November, January, March and June?

Black History Month can provide a useful prompt, starting point and opportunity for reflection – but representation and inclusive curriculum thinking should continue throughout the year.

Variations:

South Asian Heritage Month

Find out more and access resources here:

https://www.southasianheritage.org.uk/

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