6 Meaningful Ways Managers Can Mark Black History Month

6 Meaningful Ways Managers Can Mark Black History Month

October marks Black History Month (BHM) in the UK - a time to celebrate the rich heritage, achievements, and contributions of black people across the country. First introduced in 1987, Black History Month was created to challenge racism and raise awareness of black British history. It coincided with the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean and has grown into a nationwide celebration of culture, identity, and progress.

As a manager or team leader, you’re in a unique position to help your team engage with this important occasion in ways that are inclusive and educational. Whether you’re based in the office or working remotely, there are plenty of creative ways to mark Black History Month meaningfully. Here are some ideas to get you started.

  1. Bring people together through a book club

Looking for an activity to bring people together? A book club is a brilliant way to start conversation, build connections, and encourage a bit of downtime. Whether it’s during lunch breaks or after hours, it’s perfect for those who want to dip their toes into extra-curricular activities or shake up their reading habits.

You don’t have to run the club yourself - just give it a gentle reminder to your team members that it exists. Or maybe, you can even set up your own, if you find some extra time during a lunch break. For Black History Month, consider spotlighting books by black authors or stories that explore black history and culture. Bloomsbury has a fantastic round-up of Black History Month book recommendations you can find here..

  1. Celebrate culture through food

Food is a universal love language, and a delicious way to explore different cultures. Hosting a cultural cuisine day at work can be a fun way for your team to try new flavours, share family recipes, and learn about traditions from around the world.

To mark Black History Month, consider featuring dishes or snacks that celebrate Black heritage. Whether it’s a homemade Caribbean classic or a store-bought treat with a story behind it, it’s a great way to begin new conversations and support building connections. Just check your workplace’s food-sharing policy before you start plating up!

And if cooking isn’t your thing - no worries. Grab a few culturally inspired snacks from your local supermarket and turn it into a tasting table. It’s all about the experience, not the culinary skills.

  1. Invite an inspiring guest speaker

If you want to really make an impact as a manager this month, consider inviting someone who can share their lived experience, knowledge, or journey. This could be a historian who brings the past to life, an entrepreneur with a story of resilience, an athlete who’s broken barriers, or a creative who’s reshaped their industry. The goal is to spark curiosity and leave your team feeling energised and informed.

It doesn’t have to be a formal lecture. Think fireside chat or casual Q&A. It’s a chance for your team to learn something new, ask questions, and connect with voices that might otherwise go unheard. You could even record the session for those who can’t attend live, making it accessible to everyone.

  1. Create a black history timeline display

If you're office-based, think about turning a wall or noticeboard into a visual celebration of Black History Month. A timeline display is a great way to highlight influential Black figures, both past and present, alongside key milestones and achievements. Add photos, short bios, and fun facts to make it engaging for visual learners and curious passers-by.

Working remotely? No worries! Chat with your internal comms team about creating a digital interactive timeline. It’s a great way to get everyone involved, no matter where they’re working from. You could even make it collaborative by inviting team members to contribute names, stories, or moments that resonate with them.

  1. Share stories in your internal newsletter

If your workplace has a monthly internal newsletter, October is the perfect time to dedicate an edition to Black History Month. Use it to spotlight inspiring stories, share educational resources, and highlight events or activities happening across the business. Don’t worry about writing the whole thing, but even suggesting an idea or contributing a short piece can be impactful.

No newsletter? No problem! Consider creating a mini one just for your team. It could be a simple roundup of book recommendations, cultural events, or a spotlight on influential Black figures. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the month, and it fits neatly into your busy schedule. You could even turn it into a weekly email series for October, keeping the momentum going.

  1. Host a team quiz

Who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition? A Black History Month-themed quiz is a fun and educational way to get your team involved. Include questions about historical figures, cultural milestones, music, literature, and more. You can run it in person or virtually and even offer a small prize for the winning team.