• BVSC wants to support the Birmingham Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector to celebrate Black History Month which runs from 1 – 31 October.
• The 2023 theme is ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ – highlighting the crucial role black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change and building communities
• Get involved in Black History Month through events across the City – or create your own event!

BVSC wants to support the Birmingham Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector to celebrate Black History Month which runs from 1 – 31 October.

Raising awareness of diverse communities across Birmingham is part of our action plan on VCFSE Race Equality: www.bvsc.org/vcfse-mris 

What is Black History Month?

• Black History Month in the UK takes place 1-31 October 2023 
• This aims to promote and celebrate the invaluable contribution of Black people to society, and to foster an understanding of black history in general
• Its origins go back to the 1920s in the United States, was first celebrated by the UK in 1987, and is now an international celebration
• More information is available about Black History Month here: www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk

2023 Theme 

• The 2023 theme is Saluting Our Sisters
• Black people have always been at the forefront of social justice movements, fighting against oppression and paving the way for change. However, despite their countless contributions to society, the achievements of black women, in particular, have too often been overlooked or forgotten. That is why, this year, Black History Month will be celebrating the exceptional achievements of black women.
• The theme highlights the crucial role black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities
• This year’s celebration will showcase pioneering black women who have made remarkable contributions to literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more.
  
  

How Can My Organisation Celebrate?

• Attend a local event- See below for what’s happening in Birmingham
• Create your own event - Check out the Black History Month website for ideas and resources: www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk
• Working with children or young people? Get the resource pack here: https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/black-history-month-school-resource-pack-2023/  
  
  

What’s Happening  in Birmingham?

• 1 October, 7pm, BRIG: The Shoulders We Stand On: How Black and Brown People fought for change in the United Kingdom:
  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-shoulders-we-stand-on-tickets-717066905417?aff=oddtdtcreator 
• 2-31 October, Birmingham City Council Public Health, Black History Month Conference:
  https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50266/other_public_health_projects/2748/birmingham_black_history_month_health_conference_2023
• 27 October, 6pm, Windrush National Organisation, Windrush International Conference Gala Dinner & Dance Fundraiser:
  https://www.bvsc.org/Event/windrush-international-conference-gala-dinner-dance-fundraiser 
• View Black History Month website regional events listings for Birmingham here: www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/listings/region/birmingham/ 
• Events across Birmingham City: www.birminghamblackhistorymonth.co.uk 
• Check out BRIG (Birmingham Race Impact Group) news here for local updates: www.wearebrig.co.uk/news  
• Check out BVSC events pages for other events happening during Black History Month: https://www.bvsc.org/pages/events  
• Please let us know if you are organising an event or activity for Black History Month and would like us to promote it: [email protected] 

Find Out More

• About Black History Month: www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk
• Regional Events: www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/listings/region/birmingham/ 
• Events across Birmingham City: www.birminghamblackhistorymonth.co.uk 
• VCFSE MRIS: www.bvsc.org/vcfse-mris
• BRIG (Birmingham Race Impact Group): www.wearebrig.co.uk 
• BVSC Events Pages: www.bvsc.org/pages/events
• Promote Your Black History Month Event with BVSC: [email protected]