The Black History Month Conference 2025 will be one of the major highlights of this year’s programme in the North West. Taking place on Tuesday 21 October at the historic Martin Luther King House in Manchester, this one-day gathering invites communities, professionals, educators, students and families to come together under the national theme: Standing Firm in Power and Pride.
This theme is both a celebration and a challenge. It calls on us to look at the resilience and brilliance of Black communities in Britain while also facing up to the barriers that still exist. To stand firm is to refuse to be moved in the face of adversity; to do so with pride is to affirm identity, heritage and achievement. The conference aims to bring those ideas to life through performance, testimony and courageous conversation.
The choice of Martin Luther King House as the venue is symbolic. Manchester has long been a centre of radical thought, activism and community organising. From the abolitionist campaigns of the 19th century to the Fifth Pan-African Congress held in the city in 1945, it has hosted voices and movements that shaped international history. Martin Luther King House, with its associations with peace, justice and civil rights, provides a fitting backdrop for a day dedicated to equality, reflection and inclusion.
The conference opens with an opportunity for networking and connection before moving into a full day of structured sessions. The morning will be energised by a spoken word performance, “Rooted in Power”, by a young poet whose work captures the spirit of the theme. Creativity and performance have always been essential parts of Black History Month, offering ways to engage the heart as well as the mind.
From there, attention shifts to lived experience. Delegates will watch video testimonies from children, young people and adults, sharing personal accounts that highlight both challenges and resilience. These stories ground the discussion in everyday reality, reminding us why inclusion and representation matter. Facilitated reflections will invite participants to respond, sharing their own insights and beginning the work of identifying solutions and good practice.
Two strands form the backbone of the programme. In the first, Black in the Workplace, questions include: what biases, subtle or overt, still shape professional life? How can workplaces support progression and career development for Black employees? What does “bringing your whole self to work” really mean? Who opened a door for you, and how can you do the same for others? How does power operate within workplace culture, and how can it be shared more equitably?
In the second strand, Black in Education, the focus shifts to schools and learning. What is missing from the curriculum, and how can it be addressed? How often have Black students seen themselves reflected in their schooling? How do we ensure that Black excellence, not just trauma, is embedded in teaching? What would a truly inclusive school look and feel like? How do we recruit, support and retain more Black educators?
After lunch, delegates will join breakout groups for more in-depth discussions. Here, the focus is on sharing lived experiences of racism from childhood through adulthood and considering their impact over a lifetime. These sessions will not stop at highlighting problems but will look for practical responses, solutions and examples of resilience that can be applied in schools, workplaces and communities. The day will close with a summary and Q&A, pulling together the key themes and offering participants the chance to ask questions, share insights and commit to next steps.
The 2025 conference comes at an important time. Nationally, there are ongoing debates around curriculum reform, workplace equity, and institutional racism. Calls to highlight Black achievements and creativity — not only narratives of trauma — are gaining momentum. At the same time, issues of representation, inclusion and opportunity remain unresolved in many sectors. Locally, Greater Manchester is one of the UK’s most diverse regions, with a rich history of migration and cultural contribution. Yet inequalities persist, whether in education outcomes, employment opportunities or health access. This conference provides a platform for celebrating that richness while also addressing the work that remains to be done.
This event is for everyone. Students will encounter role models and gain space to think critically about their own experiences. Educators will find ideas for curriculum development and inclusive teaching. Professionals will be able to reflect on workplace culture and how to make lasting change. Families and community members will hear voices that affirm identity and pride. By bringing together people from different sectors and backgrounds, the event promises cross-fertilisation of ideas and a stronger sense of collective action.
While the conference is carefully structured, its real value lies in the conversations it sparks and the connections it fosters. Organisers want delegates to leave not only inspired but equipped — with practical tools, shared insights, and new networks that can be carried into daily life. Black History Month itself is a reminder that history is never static. It is continuously shaped by voices that demand recognition, by creativity that shifts culture, and by communities that stand firm in power and pride. This conference is an invitation to take part in that ongoing story.
Event Information:
Date: Tuesday 21 October 2025
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Venue: Martin Luther King House, Brighton Grove, Manchester, M14 5JP
Website: https://equalityanddiversity.co.uk/blackhistorymonth
Tel: 0161 636 7557
Tickets: Attendance is free, but advance booking is essential as spaces are limited. Bookings can be made via the Equality & Diversity UK online form.