Black History Month is a time to share, celebrate, and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture on our society, culture, and daily lives. It's an opportunity to reflect and acknowledge the contributions of Black individuals and communities, as well as educate ourselves about the rich legacies that have shaped the world we live in.
At Projects, we believe in the value of Proactive Allyship. This means that simply “not being racist” isn’t enough anymore; we must actively combat racism by educating ourselves and seeking out the vast resources that already exist. We understand that allyship is an ongoing process and strive to support the work already being done by Black-led initiatives. We are committed to learning, listening, and supporting Black creators, organisations, and communities this month and beyond.
In light of this, we’ve compiled a list of valuable resources, events, and initiatives led by Black-owned businesses, creators, and community organisations.
Articles & Pages
Reclaiming Narratives: The Inspiring Theme for Black History Month 2024 Read here
Explore why this year’s Black History Month is centred around reclaiming narratives and how it seeks to highlight and honour stories that have long been ignored or misrepresented.
Brighton & Hove Black History Read here
Discover the rich Black history of Brighton & Hove, and learn more about the local contributions to Black British culture and history.
Black History Month: What is it and Why Does it Matter? Read here
This article discusses why Black History Month remains as relevant today as it was when it first started, and why it’s important for us all to participate in this celebration.
Black Literature Timeline Read here
A great resource to dive into impactful works from Black authors in Britain. This timeline provides insights into significant literary contributions that have shaped our understanding of the Black British experience.
Events
Throughout October, several events are being hosted in Brighton & Hove to celebrate Black History Month. Here are three that are coming up in the next few weeks.
Queer Reflections: Black Voices, Bold Stories Event Details
Hosted by Youth The Gap, this event is a showcase of poetry, meditations, and panel talks centred on the untold narratives of Black and Queer individuals. It’s a powerful fundraiser for QueersForPalestine and is open to all.
Black Networking with BARCO Event Details
Join the Sussex Black community at Projects The Lanes for R&B Karaoke and a networking event hosted by BARCO. This is an excellent opportunity for Black professionals to connect, share experiences, and build relationships. Please note: this event is open only to those who identify as Black.
Komedia Comedy Club – Black History Month Special Event Details
Komedia is celebrating Black History Month with a special comedy lineup every Friday and Saturday in October. Expect performances from incredible Black comedians and performers of colour. These events are open to everyone, and tickets can be purchased here.
Books
For this Black History Month, we’ve taken the recommendations from @AfroriBooks over on North Road and have made them available in our Ground Floor Micro library at Projects Lanes.
We’ve highlighted 3 of their recommendations but you can take a look at the full list on their website here.
53 Women You Don’t Know Who Changed Our World (Well, You Might Do) Book Details
This book showcases the incredible stories of 53 women whose achievements have shaped our world.
Africa Is Not a Country Book Details
Dipo Faloyin's book challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about Africa, offering a fresh and insightful look into modern African cultures and societies.
The Mixed Race Experience Book Details
This book delves into the diverse and unique experiences of mixed-race individuals, exploring identity, belonging, and community.
Series
I May Destroy You – Available on BBC iPlayer
I May Destroy is often regarded as a groundbreaking example of reclaiming narratives. Series creator, Michaela Coel based a large part of the series on her own experiences, particularly those of sexual assault. Stories of sexual violence, especially those involving women of colour have historically been downplayed or disregarded - so this exploration into the complex nature of healing from trauma, is a refreshing take on the topic often shied away from for fear of being too “taboo”.
The show breaks new ground by confronting difficult subjects and giving voice to those whose stories have been historically sidelined.
Abbott Elementary – Available on Disney Plus
Abbott Elementary is a different approach to reclaiming narratives. As a comedic approach to the life of teachers in a school, the show is a character-driven comedy. Shows like The Office, Parks and Recreation and Friends get to focus purely on the characters, with Abbott Elementary functioning very much in the same way. Show creator Quinta Brunson acknowledges how shows like Black-ish have paved the way for a cast of characters that predominantly features a Black cast but doesn’t have to focus on that aspect to continue the show.
“You know, everyone gets it that Black people exist, great. Now, I get to make a show about things that aren’t about being Black but are about just stories.”
Documentaries
Black Is King (2020) – Available on Disney Plus
Beyoncé’s stunning visual album reclaims African identity by reimagining The Lion King through a Black cultural lens, blending music, visuals, and spirituality to celebrate African heritage and pride.
Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021) – Available on Disney Plus
This documentary, directed by Questlove, shines a light on the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, a historic event that celebrated Black music and culture, but has often been overlooked in favour of Woodstock.
4 Little Girls (1997) – Available on Prime
Spike Lee’s documentary revisits the tragic 1963 Birmingham bombing that killed four young Black girls. This film honours their memory and sheds light on the broader fight for racial justice during the Civil Rights Movement.
Talks
Does Revolution Need Decolonising? | Kaia Allen Bevan
In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, what can we all learn about how change really happens? Kaia is an activist who creates brave spaces to integrate anti-racist practices, embrace humility, and to question and strive for an equitable future.
How to Go Beyond Diversity and Inclusion to Community and Belonging | E'Ula Green
Do people who “have it all together” really know what they’re doing, or have they simply become experts at navigating uncertainty? This talk explores this idea through personal stories and insights from leaders, offering both a chance to relax and a push to act.
How Urban Agriculture is Transforming Detroit | Devita Davison
Known as a city in decline, Detroit is now being revitalised by its residents through urban agriculture. By turning vacant lots into gardens, communities are taking back control of their food systems, counteracting food deserts, and promoting economic resilience, shifting the narrative from loss to hope and sustainability.
This transformation highlights Black leadership in addressing systemic inequities in access to healthy food and land ownership. Through this grassroots movement, the people of Detroit are reclaiming their city's future, showing how local communities can rewrite their own stories and take pride in their contributions to a healthier, more self-sufficient society.