21 September 2026
This year marks 100 years since the launch of Negro History Week in 1926, by historian Dr Carter G. Woodson, laying the earliest foundations celebrating Black History.
This year’s theme for Black History Month UK, “Honouring Our Communities,” invites us to recognise the individuals whose everyday contributions shape, support and sustain Black life across the United Kingdom.
Across the Diocese, we seek to reflect this theme through our commitment to racial justice, learning, awareness raising and meaningful action. Through training, parish engagement, diocesan communications and the dedication of clergy and lay leaders, we seek to celebrate the gifts of all God’s people and nurture communities where dignity, belonging and inclusion can flourish.
As we mark A Century of Black History Commemorations, we recognise that the journey continues. Building a Church that truly reflects the diversity of God’s Kingdom requires commitment from all of us. Leaders at every level, alongside congregations and communities, have a vital role in listening to lived experiences, challenging barriers and creating opportunities for all God’s people to participate and thrive.
This October, we invite churches, worshipping communities and schools across our diocese to join together in marking Black History Month - celebrate the stories and contributions of Black communities, create spaces for learning and reflection, and consider what practical steps can be taken locally to advance racial justice and inclusion.
The fruits of this work are stronger communities, deeper belonging, richer discipleship and a clearer witness to Christ’s love.
This article is written by Warlay Akins, Diocesan Racial Justice Officer
Warlay Akins joined the Diocese of Chelmsford in July as Racial Justice Project Officer. As part of the Diocesan Racial Justice team, he works with diocesan colleagues, churches, worshipping communities and other stakeholders to support and deliver racial justice projects across the Diocese, helping to turn diocesan commitments into meaningful and measurable action.
Black History Month 2026
Black History Month in the UK is held every October to celebrate and recognize the achievements, heritage, and vital contributions of Black people to British society.
The theme for 2026 is “Honouring our Communities'
Black History Month Resources
Click the ‘+’ symbol below to explore a range of resources to help your church or worshipping community mark and celebrate Black History Month.
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Books
Heroes of Hope, by Alysia-Lara Ayonrinde and Sharon Prentis, presents 22 Global Majority Christian figures through accessible, illustrated storytelling and is especially suitable for churches, families, and schools
Racial Justice Champions: Volume One from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. The publication honours Christian women and men who advocated for equality and inclusion, often before racial justice received sustained institutional attention.
God Is Not a White Man by Chine McDonald. A thought-provoking exploration of race, faith, and identity that challenges the portrayal of God through a white cultural lens and calls for a more inclusive Christianity.
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Films
After the Flood: The Church, Slavery and Reconciliation, narrated by Robert Beckford. The documentary examines the Church’s historic connections with chattel slavery and explores biblical principles for racial reconciliation.
Black and British: A Forgotten History (BBC series) - Historian David Olusoga explores the enduring relationship between Britain and people whose origins lie in Africa.
The Church of England’s “We are CofE” vocation videos highlighting UK Minority Ethnic and Global Majority Heritage people serving in ordained, lay, and school ministries.
BBC Pilgrimage – A spiritual journey with Ashley Banjo and 6 other celebrities across northeast England to the historic Holy Island of Lindisfarne, one of Britain’s most significant pilgrimage destinations.
Climate Justice is Racial Justice recordings – Diocesan poetry workshops contributions, African perspectives, and theological reflections.
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Events
Tuesday 27 October 2026 Time: 7:45pm - 9:30pm
ARU Science Festival: An Evening with David Olusoga | Chelmsford Cathedral
Chelmsford Science Festival, in partnership with Chelmsford Cathedral and Anglia Ruskin University's Race and Ethnic Equality Network, hosts bestselling author Professor David Olusoga OBE for an evening of thought-provoking discussion and reflection.
Black History Month UK events and educational opportunities
Black History Month events and year-round learning in London, including exhibitions, walks, educational screenings, museums, plaques, and Black cultural organisations.
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Other resources
Liturgical resources for Black History Month from the Church of England
Black History Month UK 2026 for the national “Honouring Our Communities” message.
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland resource library for Black History Month.
Church of England racial justice work and resources, including information about the Racial Justice Unit and the Church’s movement from lament to action.
