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Black History Month UK

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We are saddened to hear that the trailblazer, pioneer, champion that is Baroness Ross Howells of St Davids has passed away aged 94. We salute this wonderful sister. May she rest in peace 🖤 by @bhm_uk

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Mavis Best’s life reminds us that lasting change often begins with the courage of one voice that refuses to be silent.

Born in Jamaica in 1939, she came to London in 1961 and settled in Peckham — part of the Windrush generation who helped rebuild post-war Britain while confronting racism and exclusion.

By the 1970s, she had seen too many young Black men unfairly stopped, searched, and arrested under the so-called “sus law” — a relic of the 1824 Vagrancy Act that allowed police to detain anyone they deemed suspicious. For many families, it became a symbol of fear and injustice.

Mavis decided enough was enough. From her home in Lewisham, she brought people together — mothers, neighbours, campaigners — and led the Scrap Sus movement. She organised meetings, lobbied politicians, and worked alongside local leaders such as Paul Boateng to challenge a system stacked against fairness.

After years of tireless campaigning, the “sus law” was finally repealed in 1981 — a victory for persistence, community, and the power of ordinary citizens to reshape the law of the land.

Mavis Best went on to serve in local government and was later honoured with an MBE for her dedication to equality and justice.

When she passed away in 2022, she left behind more than a legacy of protest — she left a vision of how compassion and determination can change Britain for the better.

🎧 Listen to the audio tribute: https://qrco.de/bgEEym

#MavisBest #BlackHistoryMonth #BritishHistory #BlackBritishHistory #Justice #CivilRights #CommunityLeadership #RepresentationMatters #WindrushGeneration #HistoryMatters by @bhm_uk

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What an absolute pleasure to start Black History Month @bhm_uk, with these true gems in the dental profession. It is so encouraging to see how our profession has evolved over the years and to witness the growth and development of these upcoming dental professionals @joseyy1_ @maryambrose_ @elise.x777 . This years theme is standing firm in power and pride! I am so proud to be a dental professional, to be the President Elect for @bsdht and to work for an organisation @obex_dental that welcomes and encourages us to be our true selves. Wishing you all a glorious October, let’s keep shining ✨#dentalprofessional #oralhealthteam #lovepeaceandunity taken in Luton, England, United Kingdom by @bhm_uk

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Black History Month Magazine 2025 – Order Now!
This year’s theme: Standing Firm in Power and Pride ✊🏾
Celebrate Black history, identity & achievement with stories, interviews & resources to inspire communities, schools & organisations across the UK.

#BHM ##BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryMonth2025 #BHM2025 #BlackHistoryMonthUK #StandingFirm #PowerAndPride

Order here: https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/news/black-history-month-magazine-2025-order-now/ by @bhm_uk

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His career — spanning law, grassroots activism, parliamentary politics, high government office, and diplomacy — reflects both personal determination and broader social change. Baron Paul Boateng’s journey from civil-liberties lawyer to Cabinet minister embodied the aspirations of Black Britons in the late twentieth century, who sought not only justice and equality but also recognition in the nation’s most powerful institutions. #BlackHistoryMonth2025 #PowerAndPride #representationmatters #BHM2025 #BlackHistoryMonth https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/campaigners-and-activists/baron-paul-boateng-from-brixton-to-the-cabinet-table/ by @bhm_uk

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Edward Enninful’s rise to become one of the most powerful figures in global fashion is a story of vision, resilience and transformation. Born in Ghana in February 1972, the youngest of six children, he moved with his family to Ladbroke Grove in West London at the age of thirteen. His early life was shaped by contrasts: the order and discipline of his father, a former soldier, and the creativity of his mother, a skilled seamstress who made dresses for local women. In her use of fabric and flair for detail, Enninful glimpsed the possibilities of style as language—a way to tell stories without words. #Blackhistorymonth #BHM #BHM2025

https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/arts-culture/edward-enninful-redefining-vogue-redefining-visibility/ by @bhm_uk

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In the history of Black resistance in Britain, few figures capture the intersection of intellect, discipline, and political conviction as powerfully as Altheia Jones-LeCointe. Born in Trinidad in 1945, trained as a scientist, and emerging in Britain as the leader of the British Black Panther Movement (BBPM) in the late 1960s and early 1970s, she was one of the most formidable voices of her generation.Her role in the Mangrove Nine trial of 1970 brought her into the public eye, where she represented herself with eloquence and courage in court, exposing the racism of the police. But her legacy runs deeper: she created an organisational culture that empowered young Black Britons, especially women, to see themselves as agents of change. She was a scientist and activist in equal measure, a woman who refused to accept the boundaries of either race or gender in a society structured to exclude her. #BlackHistoryMonth2025 #PowerAndPride #representationmatters #BHM2025 #BlackHistoryMonth https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/campaigners-and-activists/altheia-jones-lecointe-scientist-revolutionary-and-leader-of-the-british-black-panthers/ by @bhm_uk

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Baroness Floella Benjamin is an inspirational, affectionate, and kind woman who has remained true to herself as she achieved success. Her strength in pride and power are just two attributes that illustrate her prominence. During our brief time together, Floella Benjamin greeted every individual we encountered with a big smile and a conversation. To me, this illustrated something which I deeply believe in when it comes to life – unity. Her smile became the armour which has served her to this day. When told to stay in her place, or when her achievements were disregarded, Benjamin’s increasing desire for inclusion, saw her flash her winner’s smile. The most significant element of this tactic was: “It is not a false smile; it is a smile deep down from the heart.” #BHM #BHM2025 #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryMonth2025 #BlackHistoryMonthUK #StandingFirm #PowerAndPride� https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/interviews/smile-and-stand-firm-in-power-and-pride/ by @bhm_uk

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Baroness Floella Benjamin is an inspirational, affectionate, and kind woman who has remained true to herself as she achieved success. Her strength in pride and power are just two attributes that illustrate her prominence. During our brief time together, Floella Benjamin greeted every individual we encountered with a big smile and a conversation. To me, this illustrated something which I deeply believe in when it comes to life – unity. Her smile became the armour which has served her to this day. When told to stay in her place, or when her achievements were disregarded, Benjamin’s increasing desire for inclusion, saw her flash her winner’s smile. The most significant element of this tactic was: “It is not a false smile; it is a smile deep down from the heart.” #BHM #BHM2025 #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryMonth2025 #BlackHistoryMonthUK #StandingFirm #PowerAndPride� https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/interviews/smile-and-stand-firm-in-power-and-pride/ by @bhm_uk

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Happy Black History! This year's magazine is packed with some fantastic interviews including the incredibly talented @elainebabey who has become one of the UK’s most relatable comedic voices. Grab your copy today!
https://shorturl.at/nYSwi
#StandingFirm #blackhistorymonth2025 by @bhm_uk

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Thanks to @cocoasistahspod for discussing BHM and the theme. Another great episode!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YPLPxBZYAbSgAdNN0MONi?si=03f64e72c9864b25
#blackhistorymonth2025❤️🖤💚
#standingfirm by @bhm_uk

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October marks the start of Black History Month 2025!

A powerful reminder to recognise and celebrate the stories, voices, and achievements that have shaped Britain’s past, present, and future.

This month is not only about history, but about action — uplifting Black excellence, challenging injustice, and building a society where every voice is valued. Let’s use this time to learn, reflect, and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Black communities across every sector of life. #BlackHistoryMonth #StandingFirm #PowerAndPride #BlackHistoryMonth #representationmatters #communitysupport #BHM2025 #blackhistory365 #blacklivesmatter https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/news/black-history-month-resource-pack-2025/ by @bhm_uk

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