Cambridgeshire County Council is celebrating Black History Month 2025 with a touring exhibition that showcases local Cambridgeshire artists alongside works from The Museum of Cambridge.
The free exhibition which has been hosted at New Shire Hall, in Alconbury Weald, from 6 –10 October following an opening ceremony on Monday, will be on show at Huntingdon Library from 13 –15 October and the Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge on 16 October.
Linking directly to this year’s Black History Month (BHM) theme: Standing Firm in Power and Pride – the showcase encourages people to look back at Black British history and consider with admiration the contributions of individuals that have shaped our world.
Exhibits include works from County Council employees and various local artists, including the Cambridge Black Creatives. There are also a selection of works from The Museum of Cambridge’s ‘Legacies of Windrush’ exhibition.
Black History Month (BHM) was first celebrated in the UK in 1987, 150 years since the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean and has been marked every October since then. It was initiated by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, a refugee from Ghana, who wanted to challenge racism and celebrate the history of Black people.
The purpose of this exhibition and BHM, is to encourage everyone to celebrate, learn about, understand and acknowledge Black culture, excellence, heritage and history.
Blessing Aina, who contributed her art to the exhibition said: "Black History Month is deeply meaningful to me because it honours the struggles, resilience, and achievements of Black people, while reminding us of the importance of representation and identity. As a Black woman and a social worker, I see the value of sharing stories that celebrate culture and inspire pride.”
“Taking part in this exhibition is my way of contributing to that narrative; to celebrate my heritage, reflect on the progress made, and ensure that future generations see themselves represented and valued.”
Cllr Peter Macdonald, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, attended the exhibition opening and said: “I am delighted that we are celebrating Black History Month with this exhibition that brings people together to honour Black experiences, history and culture in our county through powerful expressions of creativity.
“As a Council of Sanctuary, we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all people in Cambridgeshire. I’d encourage everyone that can to visit this inspiring exhibition as it tours the county over the next week.”
Find out more about Black History Month on the official webpage at https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/
