Black History Month 2026

To mark Black History Month 2026, we asked our Living Streets’ colleagues to share what it means to them. Explore their reflections below.

We acknowledge that celebrating Black history, recognising the contributions of Black communities and challenging inequality must continue throughout the year.

We’re committed to creating streets that are accessible for everyone and fostering an inclusive organisation where all voices are heard and valued.

Visit our All Walks of Life hub to explore more stories, blogs and research highlighting our work to make walking more inclusive for everyone.  

All Walks of Life

Discover what Black History Month means to our colleagues

Click through to read their reflections.

Cynthia from Living Streets reflects on Black History Month 2026: “Black History is British History, and we know that people from all over the world have come to the UK and made significant contributions to our Economy and Culture.”
Zak from Living Streets reflects on Black History Month 2026: “Black History Month is the opportunity to speak plainly of cultural whiteness and challenge the narrow storytelling of major actors in British History.”
Sarah from Living Streets reflects on Black History Month 2026: “For me, Black History Month is a chance to celebrate diversity in our communities. It's really important to me that my five-year-old grows up embracing this and knowing that our differences are what make us special.”
Ruhi from Living Streets reflects on Black History Month 2026: “As someone of South Asian heritage, BHM reminds me of the importance of showing up as an ally, whether in conversations with family and friends or throughout my work. It’s important that my allyship is intersectional. I strive to keep learning, challenge my unconscious biases and celebrate the joy and connection that come from relationships I’ve built across Black communities.”
Tricia from Living Streets reflects on Black History Month 2026: “When I was growing up, me and my friends would save our money for October as there was just so many events on for BHM! … I have fond memories of watching Ballet Black every year in my local theatre until it went global! It was unheard of to see classical ballet performed by people of colour. I urge people to see it one day if they can, to see stories that resonate with communities today showing us all that we are more similar that we think.”
Kate from Living Streets reflects on Black History Month 2026: “A chance to learn and stay forever curious, hear people's stories and celebrate our shared history and achievements. We cannot fully understand an experience that has not been our own but we can come together with open hearts and minds to want to know more, and to ensure there is a space for everyone to belong and be seen and heard.”
Emily from Living Streets reflects on Black History Month 2026: “Black History Month is an opportunity to learn from people's stories, celebrate achievements and contributions, and reflect on the experiences that continue to shape our society…Its a reminder that being an ally isn't just about agreeing with something, it's about actively showing up, continuing to learn, standing alongside others, and using our voices and actions to help create a more inclusive future.”
Amy from Living Streets reflects on Black History Month 2026: “When I think about Black History Month, I think about the stories that shape our communities…it reminds me that the history of Cardiff is also Black history. One person who embodies this history is Betty Campbell, Wales's first Black headteacher and a lifelong champion of children, education and equality… Her legacy continues to be celebrated today, including through the statue that stands in Central Square, Cardiff."
a living streets local group on a walk

Community and connection

We join our Living Streets South London Somali Men and Women's Groups on their annual community walk. 

Community and Connection: Our Walking Challenge

a woman on a walk

Breaking barriers by walking

We reflect on our walk with Bristol Steppin Sistas and the importance of building a safe and joyful walking environment. 

Breaking Barriers by Walking

a woman walking down the street

Stand firm in pride

Our staff and volunteers speak about their experiences of walking as people of colour. 

Black History Month at Living Streets