Birmingham's 35th Black History Month programme to launch on 28 September

Birmingham's Black History Month programme for 2026 will be unveiled on 28 September at Jamaya on Colmore Row, ahead of a month of events celebrating Black history, culture and achievement across the city.

This is the 35th year the city has marked Black History Month, which runs through October.

Thirty-five years of celebration

Birmingham first marked the month in 1992, the year Benjamin Zephaniah published his first book of poetry and Denise Lewis was training at Birchfield Harriers, not far from Holy Trinity Church, where the Reverend Eve Pitts would become the UK's first Black female vicar two years later.

What is on

Events include:

• Birming-Strong at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, 3 to 12 October, an exhibition on the reggae and urban music scene in north Birmingham; and
• BlackSTEAM at Thinktank, 31 October and 8 November, the museum's annual festival of Black achievement in science, technology, engineering and the arts.

"Black History Month is not just about reflecting on the past, it's also an opportunity to share new, inspiring stories," said Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture.

She added that the month also raises awareness of the challenges and perceptions that have restricted access to opportunities, and encouraged everyone to come along.

Where to find the programme

The Blackstory Partnership is producing Black History Month for the 11th year running and has published a brochure with the full events listing and stories honouring people from the community. Details are on the Birmingham Black History Month website from 25 September, and printed brochures will be available at the Library of Birmingham, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham REP, Midlands Arts Centre and South and City College campuses.