Black History Month in Greater Manchester
Updated: Oct 19
Black History Month is an important moment in the equality calendar – a time to celebrate Black history, culture, achievements and contributions, while also recognising the continuing work needed to challenge racism and inequality.
As part of our commitment to equality and inclusion, we’re highlighting some of the Black History Month events taking place across Greater Manchester this month. Discover ways to get involved here:
Proud Mums Black History Month 2026: Our Stories, Our Health, Our Heritage, Sunday 11th October, 10.00am to 1.00pm, Manchester: https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/listings/region/manchester/proudmums-black-history-month-2026-our-stories-our-health-our-heritage/
Wise Women Rising: Leading with Authenticity and Ambition, Tuesday 13th October, 12.30pm to 1.30pm, online, Chartered Management Institute: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wise-women-rising-leading-with-authenticity-and-ambition-tickets-1991971587641
Black History Month Children's Comic Workshop, free drop in at the Portico Library on Saturday 17th October: https://www.facebook.com/ThePorticoLibrary/posts/-join-us-at-portico-library-for-a-free-inspiring-one-off-comic-workshop-celebrat/1676234064543098/
Black History Month Recognition Evening, Saturday 24th October and Sunday 25th October, Hilton Manchester Deansgate: https://manchestercommunitycentral.org/support-groups/training-and-events/black-history-month-recognition-evening
A History of Black Theatre in Manchester 1827–2025: Celebrating Presence, Thursday 1st October to Friday 30th October: https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/listings/region/manchester/a-history-of-black-theatre-in-manchester-1827-2025-celebrating-presence/
Black History Month at Factory International, Thursday 1st October to Saturday 31st October: https://factoryinternational.org/whats-on/black-history-month-26/
'Black on the Pitch' exhibition, National Football Museum: https://www.visitmanchester.com/listing/national-football-museum/24162101/
📕 Portico Ubuntu: Crafting Your Own Book of Inspiration
How can the stories we inherit help shape the future we want to create? This Black History Month, go to the Portico Library for 'Ubuntu: Crafting Your Own Book of Inspiration' – a creative workshop exploring the connections between our past, present and future.
Inspired by the spirit of Ubuntu – the idea that our lives are connected and that we thrive through one another – this hands-on session invites you to bring your memories, ideas, dreams and imagination to life by creating a personal book filled with the people, words, stories and values that inspire you.
A chance to remember, reflect, celebrate and imagine, the workshop recognises that our history is more than something we look back on: it is part of what we carry forward.
🗓️ Thursday 22nd October
🕕 6.00pm to 7.00pm
🏛️ The Portico Library, Manchester
💷 £5 per ticket
🤎 Ledger of Liberation: Black abolitionists and Manchester’s history of solidarity
This Black History Month, we're spotlighting a special exhibition at The Portico Library about the Black abolitionists and activists who came to Manchester in the 19th century, alongside the allies who helped amplify their voices.
'Ledger of Liberation: African-American abolitionists and activists in Manchester in the 1840s and 1850s' runs until 17th December and is co-curated by Carol Ann Whitehead, Chair of the Portico Library’s Public Programme Committee and GM4Women2028’s Participation Co-Lead.
Carol Ann says, “Here at the Portico Library for Black History, we don't simply commemorate a month; we celebrate a continuum of resistance, scholarship, activism and humanity. We honour Moses Roper's courage, Samuel Ringgold Ward's intellect, Frederick Douglass's moral leadership, Sarah Parker Remond's fearless campaigning ahead of the suffragette movement, in addition to allyship from the unwavering commitment of the Manchester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society. Together, they helped shape the city we know today and remind us that Manchester's identity has long been forged through international solidarity, radical ideas and the pursuit of justice.”
Find out more in the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce article here.
🎙️ Podcast: The Weight We Carry – Black Mental Health – Work and Care
As part of our Black History Month podcast series, Carol Ann Whitehead hosts 'The Weight We Carry – Black Mental Health – Work and Care', an important conversation with Cllr Hilaria Asumu and Aba Graham.
Coinciding with the month which also hosts World Mental Health Day, the podcast explores the pressures faced by Black people, particularly Black women, as they balance work, caring responsibilities and community expectations alongside their own wellbeing. It asks who cares for the carers, how racism, gender inequality, culture, faith and stigma influence access to support, and what workplaces and communities can do to help people feel genuinely seen and heard.
The conversation challenges the expectation that Black people must always be strong, highlighting the emotional labour involved in supporting others and the importance of making space for vulnerability and professional help. It calls for more compassionate, culturally informed approaches to mental health, where asking for support is recognised as a strength rather than a weakness.
This Black History Month, the message is clear: Black mental health matters, carers matter, and nobody should have to carry the weight alone.
Black History Month is a chance to celebrate and learn, but also to reflect on the importance of continuing to build a fairer and more inclusive Greater Manchester. Please check the individual event listings for the latest information, including dates, times and booking arrangements. And, keep returning to this blog as we'll update the events list throughout the month.
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