Black History Month Tutorial Resource

Black History Month tutorial resource

Open the editable resource in Canva

A ready-made Navigate tutorial pack for Black History Month, celebrated in the UK each October. The 2025 theme is Standing Firm in Power and Pride, a tribute to the resilience, strength and commitment to progress of the Black community.

How to use this resource

This is a ready-made Navigate resource pack intended for use within college tutorials or sessions. You are welcome to use it as provided or adapt it to better suit the specific needs of your college and students. It is available in both PowerPoint and Canva formats so you can edit the materials as needed. Please ensure that all activities are recorded on Navigate against each participating student.

1. Choose your icebreaker — at the end of the pack you will find three icebreaker options designed to introduce the session's theme. Select the one that best suits your group's energy, time and context.
2. Review the tutor notes — before delivering, read through the tutor notes to understand the background and purpose of the topic.
3. Follow the session plan — use the 30–35 minute session plan as your guide. It offers a suggested flow with timing and activity breakdowns.
4. Deliver using the slides and resources — work through the main input, activity and reflection slides in order, using any printable resources to support the main activity.

Topic context (tutor notes)

The theme focuses on two core values. Power represents influence, leadership and the capacity to effect positive change — true power is about collective strength, courage and unity. Pride reflects cultural identity, heritage and the celebration of Black excellence. Black History Month 2025 also honours key anniversaries, including the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act, the death of Malcolm X, and the Bristol Bus Boycott led by the late Paul Stephenson.

Session plan

1. Starter — icebreaker (5–7 mins): run one of the three options below and connect it to the theme.
2. Main activity input (10 mins): introduce a selection of Black British leaders across sectors — not just entertainment, but business, STEM and activism.
3. Main activity (15 mins): in groups of 3–4, each group picks one leader and discusses the challenges they faced, how they stood firm in pride and power, and what we can learn from them today.
4. Reflection and wrap (5–8 mins): share one new thing learned and log reflections on Navigate.

Introduction

What is Black History Month? A time dedicated to recognising, celebrating and learning about the contributions, culture and history of Black people in the UK and around the world. It is celebrated to acknowledge untold stories, challenge racism and discrimination, celebrate Black culture and identity, and inspire future generations.

Learning objectives — learn about inspiring Black British leaders and innovators, take part in interactive activities, reflect on how these figures stood firm in pride and power, and record reflections on Navigate.

Featured Black British leaders

• Steve McQueen (Film & Arts) — Oscar-winning filmmaker and Turner Prize-winning artist who tells powerful stories about Black British history.
• Sharmadean Reid (Entrepreneurship) — founder of WAH Nails and The Stack World, championing women entrepreneurs and diversity in tech and business.
• Edward Enninful (Fashion) — first Black editor-in-chief of British Vogue, transforming the magazine to showcase diversity.
• Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock (Science) — space scientist and BBC presenter who overcame dyslexia and discouragement to inspire the next generation.
• Stormzy (Music & Activism) — award-winning rapper, the first Black British solo artist to headline Glastonbury, who funds scholarships for Black students at Cambridge.
• Baroness Doreen Lawrence (Activism) — campaigner for justice after the racist murder of her son Stephen, who pushed for major reforms in UK law and policing.
• Kevin Fenton (Healthcare) — leading public health expert who tackled health inequalities and was a prominent voice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Malorie Blackman (Literature) — author of Noughts & Crosses and former Children's Laureate, challenging stereotypes in children's literature.
• Jamal Edwards (Media & Business) — launched SBTV on YouTube at 15, opening doors for new UK music talent; awarded an MBE before 25.
• Dina Asher-Smith (Sports) — world champion sprinter and one of Britain's fastest women.

Group discussion

In groups of 3–4, pick one leader and research them further: What challenges did they face? How did they "stand firm in power and pride"? What can we learn from them at our age? Detailed profiles for each leader are included as a student handout in the pack.

Icebreaker options

Option 1 — Who Said It? Guess who said each quote (bonus point for the year). Quotes include Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Malcolm X, Claudia Jones (founder of Notting Hill Carnival) and Nelson Mandela.

Option 2 — True or False: statements about figures such as Jamal Edwards and SB.TV (true), Sir Lenny Henry as an astronaut (false), Stormzy founding the MOBO Awards (false — founded by Kanya King in 1996) and Dina Asher-Smith as Britain's fastest woman (true).

Option 3 — Who Am I? Guess the famous Black Briton from their life story — including Levi Roots, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon (founder of Stemettes) and Bukayo Saka.

Reflection and wrap-up

• One new person you learned about today?
• One thing that inspired you?
• One way you will stand firm in pride and power in your own life?

Encourage students to log their learning and reflections on Navigate. Some prompts for reflection: What did you do or learn today? What questions did you ask? What skills have you developed? What did you find interesting or challenging? How can this help you in the future?

Source files attached below.