Thriving Together: A Celebration of Black British History Month 2025

An Overview

Black History Month is more than a look back at the past; it's a living, breathing celebration of the history being made right now. It's an opportunity to honour the contributions of the Black British community by actively building a more connected, well, and inclusive future for everyone.

And with our closing celebration of Black History Month 2025, we're inviting you to be a part of shaping this legacy of a more connected, thriving community of Brighton and Hove.

Brighton United was formed to be a bridge, connecting people from all corners of our community to foster genuine understanding and belonging. And Nov 3rs will be a heartfelt step on that journey. We invite you to join us for an immersive experience that combines education, creative expression, and restorative wellness, all led by inspiring Black creators and thinkers.

Come and tap into the spirit of community wellness as Brighton United and Platf9rm host this space to learn, to feel, and to grow—together.

We have intentionally designed the evening as a journey—one that will challenge the mind, opens the heart, and grounds the spirit.

1. Understanding the Challenge: A Workshop on Microaggressions

We'll begin by exploring a topic that quietly erodes the foundation of all communities: microaggressions. Led by "Cultural Architect", Cecilia Harvey of Cultural Nexus, this workshop will go beyond definitions. We will explore the real-world impact of these subtle but damaging actions—not just on individual mental and physical health, but on our collective ability to create spaces where everyone feels they truly belong. You will leave with a deeper awareness and a clearer understanding of how to nurture a more inclusive environment.

2. Seeing the Experience: Short Films on Black British Identity

Following the workshop, we will transition from theory to lived experience. We are honoured to screen two powerful short films by researchers from the University of Brighton, which give us a window into the complex, multifaceted nature of Black British identity today.

• Boxed by Najma Yusufi: A creative exploration of hybridity, belonging, and the contested idea of "Britishness" in a post-Brexit world.
• My Intersectional Reality by Omowonuola Omoworare: A personal reflection from the field of Architecture and Design on the experience of being a Black woman in the UK.

These films are not just stories; they are invitations to listen, to empathise, and to reflect on the history we inherit and the history we are creating right now. A facilitated discussion will follow, allowing us to connect with the themes together.

3. Grounding in Wellness: A Restorative Breathwork Session

But it's not enough to just confront difficult topics; we also need to create space to process what we confront. That’s why we’ll close the evening with a grounding breathwork session guided by the award-winning and highly regarded practitioner, Sam Adams.

This session is intentionally designed to counterbalance the intellectual and emotional work of the evening. It's an opportunity to decompress, integrate your learnings, and find a sense of inner calm. Sam will guide us through a rejuvenating experience, allowing us to leave not with the heaviness of what we'll confront, but with a feeling of groundedness and a clearer path to action.

Please bring a yoga mat or something comfortable to lie on to fully immerse yourself in this restorative experience, though it is not essential.

4. Networking

Just like with all our events, you can look forward to meeting and engaging with new and familiar faces the like. There will be structured networking time before and after the main sessions on the evening.

If you believe that Brighton & Hove can and should be a place where every single person feels a true sense of belonging, this evening is for you. Whether you were at our launch event or are joining us for the first time, you are a vital part of this conversation.

You will leave with more than just information. You will leave with a renewed sense of connection to your community, practical tools for fostering wellness, and the shared energy to continue this important work.

Because as Fezile Sibanda reminded us at the launch event, the principle of Ubuntu teaches us: I am because we are.

Let's be, together. We look forward to seeing you there.

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Host or Publisher Kevan Smith