Black History Month 2026

Published Date: 08th October 2026

Every October, Black History Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate, recognise and reflect on the enormous contributions Black people have made to British society. From healthcare and science to education, politics, culture and the arts, Black individuals have helped shape the communities we live and work in today.

Black communities have been part of the UK's story for centuries. Yet many achievements, experiences and contributions have not always received the recognition they deserve. Black History Month helps to shine a light on these stories, ensuring they are remembered, shared and celebrated.

Throughout October, our libraries will be celebrating Black history, heritage and achievement. We invite you to visit our displays, discover inspiring stories and take some time to learn about the people and events that have helped shape our society.

We also have resources that you can access through our Building A Multicultural Environment page on our website https://library.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/building-a-multicultural-environment.

Black Heroes

This year's Black History Month theme focuses on honouring our communities. To celebrate, we've chosen to highlight a number of Black heroes whose determination, courage and achievements have made a lasting impact on the people around them.

We also want to encourage you to think about your own Black hero. This could be someone in your team, a public figure, a family member, a friend or someone in your local community. It might even be an older relative whose contributions went unrecognised in their time. Heroes come in many forms, and every story deserves to be celebrated.

Here are some of the heroes we're recognising this year:

Tony O'Connor

Tony O'Connor made history in 1967 when he became the UK's first Black headteacher at Bearwood Primary School in Smethwick. Despite facing racism and hostility throughout his career, he remained committed to providing an excellent education for his pupils and supporting the local community. His resilience and dedication helped pave the way for greater representation in education.

Daphne Steele

Daphne Steele (1927-2004) was a Guyanese-born nurse and midwife who became the NHS's first Black matron in 1964. After moving to the UK in 1951, she built an outstanding nursing career despite facing the racial barriers and discrimination that were common at the time. Her achievements opened doors for future generations of healthcare professionals and remain an important part of NHS history.

Frank Bailey

Frank Bailey became England's first known full-time Black firefighter when he joined the West Ham Fire Brigade in 1955. Determined to challenge prejudice, he applied for the role after hearing claims that Black men were not suitable for the profession. Through his service and perseverance, he broke down barriers, challenged stereotypes and inspired future generations to pursue careers in the emergency services.

Join the Celebration

Pop into our libraries at Whiston and Southport to explore more stories of inspiring Black heroes. You can also share your own Black hero on our celebration board and help us recognise the people who have made a difference in our communities.

Let's take this opportunity to learn, reflect and celebrate the achievements, resilience and lasting impact of Black individuals, past and present.