Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring the legacy and joy of Black communities

Black History Month is a time set aside every year to celebrate and recognise the achievements, history, culture and contributions of Black people. The goal of Black History Month is to raise awareness about Black people’s overlooked contributions throughout history. At Co-Production Collective, we’re using this time to recognise the wonderful work and contributions of our Black co-producers.

The meaning behind the capital “B”

‍Olu, from Co-Production Collective, says:

"Have you ever noticed that the letter ‘B’ in the word Black is always capitalised, regardless of the context it’s used in? Some say this is to acknowledge being Black as more than just a colour, because it represents a shared racial and cultural identity. Others believe the capitalisation serves to honour the history, resilience, and contributions of Black people, whose stories were often erased through systematic oppression, such as slavery.

The underlying point is this: to be Black is to be seen and that hasn’t always been the case. Growing up as a minority in the United Kingdom often means you stand out, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re seen. A clear example of this is the public response to the England Euro 2020 final. It’s remembered by many for the three Black players who missed their decisive penalties, yet too easily forgotten are the remarkable contributions of Black players who helped bring the team to the final in the first place."

It’s a reminder that being seen isn’t just about visibility – it’s about recognition, respect, and belonging.

Building on our anti-racism journey

At the Collective we are drawing on the work of Black scholars and activists, such as Ruha Benjamin’s Imagination: A Manifesto, to not only embed anti-racism at every level of our work, but to also imagine and create futures rooted in joy, equity, and justice. We recently set up an Anti-Racism Working Group at the Collective, with the aim of developing a wide range of resources and activities based on the recommendations of our ‘Understanding Anti-Racism in Co-Production Spaces’ report.' The videos captured as part of the work illustrate just how prevalent racism is in co-production spaces. Following on from the launch of the report, last year we ran a programme of support called Amplifying Voices, developed from the findings of the report and delivered in partnership with People’s Voice Media. This changemakers programme was designed specifically for individuals from the global majority to develop new co-production skills, strengthen their expertise, and make a real impact in their communities. Providing individuals with guidance, connections, and resources, participants were supported to bring their own co-produced projects to life.

In the year ahead, we are committed to deepening this work, not only by continuing to support others, but also by turning our focus inward. As an organisation and as a community, we recognise the need to do more of the work ourselves, and to actively move closer to becoming truly anti-racist. We’ll be sharing more details soon, including ways you can get involved. Keep an eye on our newsletter, social media channels and website for updates.

Celebrating Black Joy with Stuart
‍Co-Producer Stuart reflects on celebrating Black Joy this Black History Month:

As we mark Black History Month, I’m reflecting on what it truly means to celebrate Black Joy; not as an escape from struggle, but as a powerful act of resistance, healing, and creativity.

In my work, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with communities and organisations to embed lived experience at the heart of service design and delivery. My journey has been deeply shaped by my own experiences of navigating chronic health conditions, which led me to champion meaningful involvement for people whose voices are too often unheard.

Through my work with the Co-Production Collective and other national projects, I’ve helped to bring together service users, researchers, and professionals to co-produce approaches that are more equitable and person-centred. One example is my involvement in the Commissioning with Communities programme.

Beyond my work with the Collective, I’ve also been involved in initiatives with young Black men, co-producing spaces for dialogue, leadership, and belonging. These projects remind me that anti-racism is not just about dismantling systems of inequality, it's about creating new ones rooted in care, joy, and connection!

This year, I attended the Anti-Racist Cumbria Summit, where “Black Joy” took centre stage. It’s encouraging to see joy, creativity, and celebration recognised as essential parts of anti-racist practice.

As a Black lived experience leader, Black History Month is a moment to pause and reflect not only on the challenges we continue to face, but on the creativity, resilience, and leadership that our communities bring to every space we’re part of. In my work, I’ve seen how lived experience can shift systems and shape fairer, more compassionate services. For me, celebrating Black History Month means recognising that our stories, our contributions, and our joy are central to the ongoing work of equity and change.

For me, Black Joy is about reclaiming the fullness of who we are beyond the narratives of pain and celebrating our ability to create, nurture, and inspire change. It’s a reminder that joy itself is radical.

Jacqui’s reflections and poetry
‍Co-Producer Jacqui Darlington shares her thoughts on Black History Month with us:

Growing up as a mum and an Afro-Caribbean woman in the UK, Black History Month always lands in a special place in my heart. It’s not just about reflecting on the past, it’s about recognising the living, breathing contributions that Black people make to this country every single day.

From the songs that fill our streets, to the ideas that push science and art forward, to the warmth and humour that colour our communities – Black people have helped weave the very fabric of the UK and continue to do so in ways big and small.

For me, it’s about joy too. The laughter, the music, the creativity that make life richer. There’s a future I love to imagine, where being Black is never a barrier but a beautiful part of our shared story.

Jacqui also shared this lovely poem:

"A month to shine, a month to see
The strength, the joy, the legacy
Our stories told, our voices heard
In every note, in every word
We rise, we dream, we shape, we claim
Black History Month, a glowing flame"

Credit: Jacqui Darlington, 2025.

Looking ahead with Isaac
Isaac, one of our co-producers, is helping us think about what comes next:

"For me, Black History Month is not just about looking back, but looking forward – asking how we build a future where everyone feels safe, cared for, and valued. The work we’re doing at Co-Production Collective isn’t just about creating projects, it’s about building spaces where people can show up as their full selves. Spaces where care is more than a word, it’s a shared practice.

Going forward, I want us to keep focusing on self care– making sure every person who joins our community feels seen, supported, and part of something meaningful. Because when we look after each other, that’s when real change happens."

We will soon be launching solidarity spaces for racialised individuals and other marginalised groups. These will be dedicated sessions where people can share their experiences in a way that feels safe and supportive. If you are interested in finding out more, please sign up to be a member of our community and we will keep you informed.