Black History Month 2025: Standing firm in power and pride

October marks Black History Month, celebrating black excellence in all forms and providing an important opportunity to highlight the history, heritage and voices of black communities.

Whether you're diving into powerful books by black authors or joining performances that bring history to life, there's something for every reader and thinker. Find out what’s on to celebrate Black History Month. 

Hear underrepresented voices with RESOLVE Collective 

On Thursday 2 and Wednesday 8 October, join RESOLVE Collective for their co-design and building sessions at East Sheen and Ham Libraries.

The sessions feature site-specific installations that invite attendees to reimagine their relationship with local libraries. As part of this year’s Richmond Arts & Ideas Festival, the events also interrogate how we can nurture ecologies of creative practice by caring for the nodes in these networks. 

Book your free tickets to the RESOLVE Collective events

Get inspired by Richmond Reads talks 

On Monday 13 October, join Frank Thabani Sayi for an online conversation about his experience growing up in colonial Rhodesia and subsequently his work in the UK.  

Book free tickets to No safer kinder hatred: A story of survival and spirit

On Saturday 18 October, hear from crime fiction authors Nicola Williams, Graham Bartlett, and Imran Mahmood as they bring gripping authenticity to their storytelling, shaped by real-life careers in the courtroom, on the beat, and at the bar.

A book signing will follow this event, in partnership with Hewson Books and The Kew Bookshop. 

Book tickets for Expert Witness Panel: Real jobs. Imaginary crimes. Killer stories

Explore powerful stories on page and screen

This Black History Month, our libraries are showcasing a selection of books that explore the stories, voices, and contributions of black heritage.

You can also explore the collections online:  

• Libby app
• Borrowbox
• Cloud Library
• Richmond Library catalogue

What’s more, you can enjoy free access to British Film Institute Replay at our libraries or through the library Wi-Fi.

This will include a new collection 'Black Voices' exploring the stories, creativity, identities and expressions of black British communities, shared by individuals through documentary, performance, oral history and interviews. 

Share your stories

Richmond upon Thames is proud to be an inclusive and welcoming place, where people of all backgrounds, cultures and identities are celebrated and valued. 

Find out more about Black History Month events happening in the borough.

Whether you’re hosting a community event, sharing family traditions, or reflecting on your heritage, we want to hear how the local community is celebrating. Email details to communitynews@richmond.gov.uk so we can include them on the page.