Every October, the UK comes together to celebrate Black History Month—a time to reflect on the past, honour achievements, and look towards a future of equality and inclusion. The theme for 2025, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” is a powerful reminder of the resilience, strength, and vision of Black communities across the globe.
This year, the focus is on two central values:
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Power – the influence and leadership to effect positive change, whether through political and civil rights movements, business, education, or the arts.
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Pride – the celebration of identity, heritage, and culture, recognising the richness of Black excellence in every sphere of life.
The theme resonates strongly with the diverse student body at South Bank Colleges. With learners from across South London and beyond, the college celebrates a community where different cultures, languages, and experiences come together to shape futures. By learning from history, students can stand confidently in their own stories while respecting and valuing the journeys of others.
Their Service, Our History
This year also marks several significant anniversaries, including the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act, the Bristol Bus Boycott, and the remembrance of influential figures such as Malcolm X. Alongside these milestones, Black History Month 2025 is honouring the remarkable contributions of Black servicemen and women who stood at Britain’s frontlines.
Their stories tell of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice:
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Walter Tull – A professional footballer who became one of the first Black commissioned officers in the British Army during the First World War, leading with courage until his death in 1918.
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Johnny Smythe – An RAF navigator in the Second World War who survived being shot down and imprisoned, later going on to serve Britain in distinguished public roles.
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Ulric Cross – One of the most decorated West Indian servicemen of the Second World War, whose RAF service preceded a diplomatic career shaping newly independent African nations.
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David Clementson – A Cambridge-educated Jamaican who earned a rare commission in the British Army during the First World War, serving on the front line before his death in 1918.
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Richard (Dickie) Barr – A Royal Navy veteran whose career reflected the long tradition of Black sailors defending Britain’s shores and seas.
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Lilian Bader – Among the first Black women to serve in Britain’s armed forces, training as an instrument repairer in the WAAF during the Second World War, ensuring aircraft were combat-ready.
These six lives represent a far greater story: one of determination, skill, and service that strengthened Britain and earned a lasting place in its history.
A Message for Today’s Students
At South Bank Colleges, students stand on the shoulders of these pioneers. The stories of Walter Tull, Lilian Bader, and so many others remind us that resilience, leadership, and cultural pride are not abstract concepts—they are lived realities.
Just as these servicemen and women broke barriers in their time, today’s students are breaking new ground in classrooms, workshops, and communities across South London. Whether through pursuing careers in science, healthcare, engineering, creative arts, or community work, they are shaping the future with the same courage and determination.
Black History Month 2025 challenges all of us to reflect, celebrate, and act. To stand firm in power, using our collective strength to shape a fairer society. And to embrace pride, recognising the beauty of diverse identities and the vital role they play in creating an inclusive future.
