Solent celebrates Black History Month

This year’s theme for Black History Month is 'Standing firm in Power and Pride', a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe.

Black History Month 2025 celebrates power and pride - power as the strength and leadership that drives change, and pride as the cultural identity and excellence that define black communities worldwide. Honouring milestones such as the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act, the death of Malcolm X, and the Bristol Bus Boycott, this year’s theme is both a tribute and a call to action. It reminds us to embrace unity, resilience, and heritage while continuing the pursuit of equality, amplifying black voices, and shaping a more inclusive future.

Further details about the University’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion can be found on our website.

Here is a list of events taking place across the campus and within the city you can get involved in.

On-campus events

Colourism and Young People Exhibition
Wednesday 1-Friday 31 October 

A successful exhibition from 2024 that examined the issue of Colourism, a controversial issue in black and white communities. This year throughout October, Solent is delighted to be exhibiting in collaboration with Black History Month South - a new display of photographic art which focuses on young people. Showing in the Spark building, this exhibition aims to explore colourism/shadism, which has had a more profound impact on life and culture than many presume and hopes to stimulate further discussion to create a greater understanding.

Students' Union Student Showcase
Tuesday 14 October 

Come and join the Students' Union in celebrating the amazing talents of our black community at Solent University. From performances to visual artwork, short films and music, the atrium will be turned into a cosy venue to share and connect with our community.

City events

A Black History Month exhibition
Friday 3-Friday 24 October 

Taking place at ArtQuay Gallery, the exhibition features work inspired by African textiles, masks, landscapes, and contemporary interpretations, celebrating the richness and diversity of African artistic expression. With bold colours, striking imagery, and shared creativity, Resonance offers visitors the chance to reflect on heritage, identity, and the connections between past, present, and future. The gallery is open every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11am-4pm. 

Find out more >

Hidden Histories Trail: Jane Austen's Southampton and Black Georgians
Sunday 5 October 

In the lead-up to Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary, Southampton’s Hidden Histories guides present a specially curated walking tour uncovering the stories of Black Georgians who lived and worked in the city. From soldiers and sailors to abolitionists, actors, and writers, discover the diverse heritage that shaped Southampton during Jane Austen’s time. Tours start and finish at God’s House Tower, running weekly throughout October, with proceeds supporting further research into the city’s rich and varied history. 

Find out more >

Is Black History Month Relevant in Southampton? Online History Talk with Don John
Tuesday 7 October 2025

Discover more about Southampton’s Black History this September with a special talk from Don John, founder of Black History Month South and a leading consultant on history, race and diversity. 

Find out more and book your tickets >

Black Business, Art and Music Festival (BBAM)
Sunday 12 October 2025

Celebrate and explore Black cultures, creatives and local businesses with a full day of workshops, food stalls, performances and more. This year, 12 village stalls will showcase different cultures from across the African continent and Caribbean islands, with a focus on untold stories.

Southampton Jazz Festival
Saturday 18 October 2025

Step into Southampton’s rich musical past with Southampton’s Jazz Story - a one-night-only event celebrating the city’s deep connections to jazz and the social history it reflects. Shaped by Don John (Race and Diversity Consultant) and Peter Edwards (Musical Director), this unique event offers an unforgettable evening for music lovers, history enthusiasts and anyone connected to the city. 

Find out more >