Black History Month is celebrated from 1-31st October to recognise the achievements and history of Black people in the UK.
This year’s theme is ‘Honouring Our Communities’ and is intended to represent the many complexities and journeys that Black communities and individuals have experienced throughout history, allowing us the time to reflect on these stories of resilience, connection and lived experience.
Throughout October, there are many events planned across campus and Belfast to celebrate Black History Month.
Blood Donation Drive at Mandela Hall
On Tues 20 Oct, Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service will be hosting a blood drive in Mandela Hall from 10am-5pm.
In recognition of Black History Month and the theme of “honouring our communities”, this event also aims to raise awareness on the importance of blood donations to support those with sickle cell disease.
Anyone can have sickle cell, but it most commonly affects people from Black African or Black Caribbean backgrounds. To get the best treatment, people with sickle cell who have regular transfusions need blood that’s really similar to their own. This is most likely to come from a donor of the same ethnicity.
We need people from all communities to give blood to make sure there’s the right blood available for everyone. If you are between the ages of 17 and 65 and in reasonably good health, you should be able to give blood. FAQ of donating blood can be found here.
An Evening with President Barack Obama
Former USA President, Barack Obama, is visiting Belfast’s O2 Arena on the Tues 13 Oct to discuss his experience with leadership and democracy and to delve into the change that faces America and the wider world as the US marks it’s 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
This event is a rare and amazing opportunity to hear first-hand his experience in leadership as the first African American to hold office.
Find out more about the event and access tickets here.
Society Events
Connect with other students through the African & Caribbean Society. They aim to raise cultural and racial awareness in an educational, lively and entertaining environment. It’s a safe space for students to meet, socialise and have fun!
The society are hosting a range of events this month including:
- Fri 9 Oct: Games Night, 6-9pm, Lanyon Building/0G/74
- Fri 16 Oct: Heritage and Beads, 5-7pm, SU Drawing Room
Keep an eye on their socials for more info!
Give Racism the Red Card & Wear Red
On Fri 16 Oct, the organisation ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ are holding their annual Wear Red Day and are encouraging everyone to get involved and wear red to support anti-racism education, raise awareness and show support in the movement.
You can wear any type of red item or you can order one of the ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ T-shirt’s off their website.
Whatever the item is, however small, this is an easy way to get involved in celebrating Black History Month.
Cinemagic Black History Month Programme
From the 3-13 October, Cinemagic are hosting a vibrant new festival of film, music, discussion and community engagement across Belfast as part of their Black History Month Programme.
This festival of film will allow people of all ages and across all backgrounds to witness new stories, experience art and learn about important moments in history and will reflect the growing appetite for more inclusive screen programming in Northern Ireland.
You can find their full programme details and ticket information on their website.
Heritage and Innovation Summit 2026
MRANI are holding their first Heritage and Innovation Summit at Queen’s University Belfast’s, Riddel Hall on Sat 10 Oct from 9am-4pm.
This event aims to display the interconnections between heritage, technology and business by bringing together cross-sector founders, enterprise owners and cultural changemakers in an attempt to support people in building a career and business in Northern Ireland.
There will be keynote speakers, workshops and networking opportunities as well as dance and fashion showcases throughout the event.
If this is something you would be interested in attending, you can read more about it here.
North West Migrant Forum’s Events
Annual Black History Summit
The Annual Black History Summit 2026 is being held on Fri 23 Oct in Belfast. The event brings together educators, communities and leaders to explore Black history, racial justice and the transformative role of education.
The Summit has a strong practical focus on how educators can become more knowledgeable and confident in teaching black history in the classroom, addressing difficult and sensitive topics and using inclusive resources to support meaningful learning.
Honouring our Communities, Community Celebration
This event is dedicated to recognising and celebrating the contribution of Black and minoritised communities to Northern Ireland and is being held in Belfast on Fri 23 Oct from 5-10pm.
The evening will provide an opportunity to build relationships and connections across communities and celebrate the many achievements and creativity through a night of culture, food, music and storytelling in the beautiful surrounds of Stormont.
Black History Month Comedy Special, The Alien Everywhere
Tanael Joachim (TJ) hosts a comedy special in Belfast’s Waterfront Hall Studio on Wed 28 Oct. Through his distinctive comedy and storytelling, he explores the themes of immigration, identity and relationships as well as addressing the everyday experience of navigating different countries and cultures.
This event is a powerful way of reflecting and representing the diversity that exists across Northern Ireland.
You can register for any of the North West Migrant’s Forum’s events here.
The Hidden History Project
This touring exhibition is dedicated to unearthing the contributions by Black people to Northern Ireland. It aims to promote racial equality and challenge racism by uncovering and celebrating the often-overlooked contributions of Black communities in Northern Ireland.
If this is something that interests you, check the following page for updates on where the exhibition is currently located, Hidden History NI | Exploring Black Heritage in Northern Ireland.
