Voices of Change: Celebrating Black British History, Heritage and Achievement

Each October, UK Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the countless contributions that Black people have made to British society, culture, politics, science, education, sport, and the arts. It’s a time to recognise pioneers who challenged barriers, honour those who campaigned for justice and equality, and celebrate contemporary leaders who continue to inspire future generations.

This poem pays tribute to a minute number of the remarkable individuals whose courage, talent, determination, and vision have helped shape modern Britain. Their stories remind us that Black British history is not a separate story, but an essential part of our shared national history.

A poem celebrating Black British excellence

In October’s light, we pause and see,

The voices woven through our history.

From Mary Seacole’s¹ healing care,

To Walter Tull’s² courage beyond compare.

Mary Prince³ shared a story brave and true,

So hidden injustices came into view.

Claudia Jones⁴ brought communities together in unity, 

Laying foundations for Carnival and diversity.

Olive Morris⁵ stood strong for justice and rights,

Challenging inequality and shining bright.

Bernie Grant⁶, Paul Boateng⁷, and Diane Abbott⁸ too,

Opened doors in Parliament and helped see change through.

Alex Pascall OBE⁹ helped tell our stories true,

Through radio, music, and the work he helped pursue.

Championing culture, community, and Carnival’s vibrant tide,

Helping Black British voices be celebrated far and wide.

Baroness Doreen Lawrence¹⁰, with dignity and grace,

Turned tragedy into progress across this space.

Floella Benjamin¹¹ inspired children to believe,

Showing what determination can achieve.

Margaret Busby¹² gave new voices room to be heard,

Expanding horizons through the power of the written word.

Malorie Blackman¹³ imagined worlds anew,

Encouraging young readers to see life from a different view.

Michaela Coel¹⁴ told stories honest and bold,

While Stormzy¹⁵ uplifted others through opportunities untold.

From music to learning, his impact can be seen,

Investing in futures and helping others dream.

Mo Farah¹⁶ ran with courage, strength, and pride,

The MoBot raised in triumph, with a nation by his side.

While Lewis Hamilton¹⁷ drove change alongside.

Breaking records, speaking out, and leading the way,

Showing excellence and purpose can grow every day.

Their stories remind us that history lives on,

In lessons remembered and barriers gone.

Honouring the past, celebrating today,

And shaping a fairer tomorrow in every way.

Their legacy lives in each door opened wide,

In every dream pursued with courage and pride.

The past informs us, the future is ours to build,

When every voice is valued and every promise fulfilled.

People featured in the poem

Historical figures

¹ Mary Seacole (1805-1881) was a Jamaican-born nurse, businesswoman and healer who cared for British soldiers during the Crimean War.

² Walter Tull (1888-1918) was one of Britain's first Black professional footballers in Britain and one of the first Black officers in the British Army during the First World War.

³ Mary Prince (c.1788-after 1833) was an enslaved Bermudian woman whose published account of her life helped expose the brutality of slavery and influence the abolitionist movement in Britain.

⁴ Claudia Jones (1915-1964) is widely regarded as the "Mother of Notting Hill Carnival" and founded the West Indian Gazette, Britain's first major Black newspaper.

⁵ Olive Morris (1952-1979) was a Jamaican-born British activist involved in anti-racist, feminist and housing-rights campaigns.

Political leaders and public figures

⁶ Bernie Grant (1944-2000) was one of the first Black MPs elected to Parliament in 1987. He campaigned for racial equality and community empowerment.

⁷ Paul Boateng became the UK's first Black Cabinet minister in 2002.

⁸ Diane Abbott became the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons in 1987.

⁹ Alex Pascall OBE is a pioneering broadcaster, one of the developers of Notting Hill Carnival, co-founder of The Voice newspaper, and a key figure in establishing a Black presence in British media.

¹⁰ Baroness Doreen Lawrence successfully campaigned for justice following the murder of her son, Stephen Lawrence,. Her work helped to bring about significant changes in policing and race relations. 

Arts, literature and media

¹¹ Floella Benjamin is a beloved children's television presenter, author, campaigner and member of the House of Lords who has inspired generations through her work with children and her advocacy for diversity.

¹² Margaret Busby CBE is one of the most influential figures in British publishing and literature. She is a pioneering British publisher, editor and writer who became Britain’s youngest and first Black woman publisher.

¹³ Malorie Blackman is an award-winning author and former Children's Laureate, best known for the Noughts & Crosses series, which explores race, power and prejudice.

¹⁴ Michaela Coel is an acclaimed writer, actor and creator of ground-breaking television dramas. She is celebrated for tackling complex social issues with honesty and creativity.

Contemporary culture and philanthropy

¹⁵ Stormzy is an award-winning rapper, songwriter and philanthropist.  Beyond music, he is known for the Stormzy Scholarship programme, which has supported Black students attending the University of Cambridge, and for championing education and social justice.

Sport

¹⁶ Mo Farah is one of Britain's most successful distance runners, having won four Olympic gold medals and multiple world championships.

¹⁷ Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time Formula One World Champion and one of the most successful racing drivers in history. He has been a prominent advocate for diversity, inclusion and opportunities for underrepresented groups in motorsport.