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For Black History Month 2026, themed 'Honouring Our Communities', we celebrate the Black leaders, churches and networks whose everyday work shapes communities across the UK and around the world.

Their leadership is often unseen. But it's the foundation of change: in faith, in racial justice and in the fight against the climate crisis.

This Black History Month, we honour them. We share their stories. And we stand alongside them.

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NGOs and UK activists came together to amplify the voice of global South activist and partner Precious Kalombwana, standing up to big corporates driving poverty in Zambia. Here they campaign close to the Blackrock office. Credit: Christian Aid/Amy Sheppey
Stood in a park surrounded by big buildings, Precious stands holding a placard that says 'This is a matter of LIFE and DEBT', she is wearing her hair down, a red tshirt and a yellow coat.

'This is a matter of life and debt'

Precious Kalombwana is a debt and climate justice activist from Zambia. She's on the frontline of two crises the Global South did not cause.

This Black History Month, we're amplifying her testimony. In her own words, Precious shares her hopes for Zambia, her community and her children, and calls on the world to listen.

Racial and climate justice

Black communities in the Global South are on the frontline of the climate crisis, yet contributed least to causing it. We're calling for climate solutions that put racial justice at the centre.

Our survival is at stake, it should be amongst the most urgent theological issues for our action and meditation. Inaction could result in a life or death situation for our brothers and sisters suffering in our home countries and indeed other areas in the global South.

- Dr David Muir, Senior Lecturer of Ministerial Theology, Roehampton University.

Change starts when communities come together. From Black-led churches in the UK to grassroots movements across the Global South, this is what a shared fight for justice looks like.

Reparations aren't only financial. They're about truth, acknowledgement and action. Churches and institutions that benefited from historic injustice have a role to play in setting things right.

In scripture (Luke 19:8) Zacchaeus said, 'If I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.' Historic churches must take the lead in the process of reparation and acknowledge that they have benefited greatly from historic exploitation.

- Rev Alton Bell, Pastor at Wembley Family Church.
Image credits and information i
Young people marching for climate justice in Nairobi as part of the 2023 African Climate Summit
Young people marching holding a banner saying Stop the neo-colonial scramble for oil and gas in Africa

Black History Month resources

Explore blogs, films and reflections on the connection between racial and climate justice, and the Black leaders shaping the response.

Blogs

Engaging black Christians in climate justice through song

These songs aim to raise the profile of black Christians in climate justice movements.

Understanding our history is vital for climate justice

Rev Dr Israel shares how we can't achieve climate justice without understanding our history.

Videos

Black, white and green

Why racial justice is at the heart of climate justice.

Decolonising Climate Conversations

A webinar about breaking down barriers in discussions about the climate crisis.

Ven, Dr Rosemarie Mallett, in Rage & Hope: 75 Prayers for a Better World

Loving God, You have created all things

And by your will they have their being

We rage at a system that teaches and treats black people as if they are not made in the image of God and created equal.

We seek redress for the years of torment and trauma of being othered.

We repent of a system that still demands black people justify their place in every space.

We pray for your liberating kingdom and kin-dom to come on earth as it is in heaven.

The light of the Lord has come, the glory of the Lord is rising.

Lord, shine and arise within us, as we rise, we rise.

Amen

What is Black History Month?

Black History Month is an annual celebration of the contributions, culture and achievements of Black people and communities.

It recognises the role of Black leaders in shaping racial justice and social progress. And it raises awareness of the challenges Black communities still face today.

In the UK, Black History Month takes place every October.

What is this year's theme?

The theme for Black History Month UK 2026 is 'Honouring Our Communities'. It celebrates the individuals whose everyday contributions shape, support and sustain Black life across the UK. Volunteers. Teachers. Faith leaders. Carers. Grassroots organisers. The people who make community possible.

Why is learning about Black history important?

Learning about Black history is crucial for fostering understanding and empathy by showcasing the struggles and achievements of Black communities. It reveals the impact of systemic racism and the ongoing fight for racial justice, equipping individuals to engage in important conversations about equality​