Black History Month is celebrated throughout October every year around the UK.
Black History Month is important in Bury as we celebrate the rich diversity of our borough and reaffirm our commitment to eliminating discrimination in any form.
This year’s theme is ‘Saluting our sisters’ to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of black women to our society.
The month is also an opportunity for everyone to learn about the history and experiences of black people in the UK, contributing to having inclusive communities and workplaces.
The 2021 census data for Bury showed that our black communities increased by around 1,800 residents during the past 10 years and now make up 1.9% of Bury’s population, nearly twice the level of a decade ago. This is broken down to be 1.3% Black African; 0.4% Black Caribbean; 0.2% Black Other.
Black History Month events in Bury
There are a variety of events around Bury during October each year. Find the latest information for what's on in 2023 on this page.
Bury Art Museum
Bury Art Museum is hosting “Am I not a woman and a sister?” a four-screen film installation made with Manchester based artist Elizabeth Kwant and female survivors of modern slavery with national charity City Hearts.
The museum will also be highlighting the BAM Black Art Trail which is now accessible through the Art UK - Bloomberg Connects App.
Bury Libraries
Bury Libraries, alongside a Celebrating Diversity collection on Borrowbox, will feature a display on a Bury Archives blog - Resettlement of Ugandan Asians in Bury.
It introduces us to one of the families who came to Bury as a result of Idi Amin's expulsion of those of Asian heritage from Uganda 50 years ago.
BHM Annual Gala Awards
The Caribbean & African Health Network will be honouring individuals and organisations for their contributions to the health and wellbeing of the Black Caribbean and African Communities across the United Kingdom.
There is still time to nominate personal or professional efforts that have made a difference to Black Caribbean and African people.
Nominations open on Wednesday close on 1 October 2023.
Further Information at CAHN - Gala nomination.
Greater Manchester Black History Month Civic Launch
Celebrating our sisters from the Windrush era.
28 September at Manchester Cathedral at 6.30 to 9pm.
Gasper Nali and Michael Mountain music gig
A roots one-man-band from the shores of Lake Malawi, Gasper Nali creates the most amazing and danceable original Afro Beats.
11 October, The Met, 7.30pm.
Our Power of Staff Networks Conference
‘Our Power of Staff Networks Conference’ run by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service with the theme of ‘Change the Story!’
A range of speakers and sessions including Black History Month.
Thursday, 12 October, 10am to 5pm at Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS.
For tickets, go to Eventbrite - Power of Staff Networks Conference.
LGBTQI Forum
Hate Crime against LGBT BAME people, The Met, 25 October.
AFRICAB Cultural Event
AFRICAB Cultural Event – 15 Knowsley Street, 27 October, 10am to 12pm.
African and Caribbean Women’s Centre (AFRICAB).
Inspiring stories
The annual festivity aims to engage, inform and educate communities, as well as to showcase the talent, inspiration and stories of local Black people.
It’s your opportunity to tell your colleagues what Black History Month means to you, the black people who have inspired or continue to inspire you and the stories you want to share. You can do this through blogs, pictures, recommendations for films, TV, books, poems or influencers to follow! If you want to take part or would like more information of how you can take part email equality@bury.gov.uk by 12 October.
Ethnicity Pay Gap
Ethnicity Pay Gap with Dianne Greyson, founder of the Ethnicity Pay Gap campaign.
A lunch and learn session discussing the importance of ethnicity pay gap reporting, the impact on ethnic minority staff, the effects of the cost of living and a deep dive into the Black women’s pay gap.
Join the meeting on Tuesday, 17th October, 11am to 12pm here: Teams - Ethnicity Pay Gap with Dianne Greyson.
Reimagining the NHS
Reimagining the NHS with Dr Dayo Eseonu, Founding Convenor of Racial Equity in Policy Network.
We are inviting you to this open workshop that will enable you to use your imagination in a fun and creative way to reflect on the way in which the health and care system health services interact with Black women in Greater Manchester, with a particular focus on how their health could be improved. This workshop will use reflexive thinking, storytelling, and group discussions to navigate how the health and care system can better serve Black women in Greater Manchester.
Thursday, 19th October, 1pm to 5pm.
Reserve a place at: Eventbrite - Re-imagining the NHS.
Visit the Black History Month website.