Independent Media will be marking Black History Month 2025 with a series of initiatives across The Independent and Seasoned. Activity will include ‘Black and British’, a month-long exhibition with Outernet London from 6 October, and a celebratory lunch on 7 October with the UK Black Comms Network to recognise those “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”, as a nod to the theme of Black History Month this year.
Black and British exhibition
Research from the Runnymede Trust shows that nearly two-thirds of Black Britons feel racism has worsened in the UK in the past five years, a perception borne out in rising hate crime statistics and disproportionate stop-and-search rates. Public debate about national identity has reached a fever pitch in recent weeks.
Against this backdrop, Seasoned’s ‘Black and British’ exhibition with Outernet London will platform Black voices in the heart of the capital, inviting Seasoned’s readers to speak directly about what identity at the intersection of Blackness and Britishness means to them in 2025.
As a media outlet, Seasoned celebrates Black British communities, and this activation will create a space that reclaims pride, amplifying Black perspectives and sounding a chorus of voices declaring what their identity means to them. The result will be a vibrant portrait of the diversity, creativity and resilience of Black Britain today, and will include information and an opportunity to donate to the Runnymede Trust, which works tirelessly for racial justice in Britain.
Outernet London is the immersive media and entertainment district with the most advanced screens in the world. The most visited cultural attraction in the UK, it brings together arts, culture and music experiences. ‘Black and British’ launches on 6 October and runs for the month. Visitors can see the exhibition for free, with screening times shown at on Outernet London’s website.
Ada Enechi, Head of Culture at Seasoned, says: “Seasoned believes it’s vital to create a space that reclaims pride, amplifies Black voices, and shows that Blackness is not outside of Britishness, but at the heart of it. We are proud to be partnering with Outernet London and also the Runnymede Trust, which focuses upon challenging racism and building a more equitable and just future for our communities – one in which we all have the potential to thrive.”
Scott Neal, Creative Director Culture and Lifestyle, Outernet, comments: “Having partnered with The Independent a number of times, we are very proud to support this project created by its sister brand, Seasoned, celebrating Black British voices as part of Outernet’s content programme marking Black History Month.”
Editorial and commercial
Special editorial will be running throughout October in The Independent. The Independent will also be donating £10,000 of ad inventory to Five X More. Five X More is a leading women’s health organisation, which focuses on Black maternal health. Its mission is to empower, support and advocate for Black women in the UK, ensuring they receive the respectful, equitable and high-quality care they deserve during pregnancy and beyond.
Chloe Hubbard, UK Editor of The Independent, remarks: “Black History Month is an extremely important part of The Independent’s calendar and a moment to take stock of the stories, achievements and lived reality for Black people in this country. The climate this year lends a particular urgency and we are proud and committed to continue platforming Black British voices across our editorial coverage.”
Celebration lunch
On 7 October, The Independent and Seasoned will host a lunch in collaboration with the UK Black Comms Network as part of a four-year relationship. The network seeks to increase the number and seniority of Black professionals in the UK PR industry and this year’s lunch will honour those who stand firm in power and pride.
The annual lunch will see invited guests from the worlds of media, charity, entertainment, business and politics coming together to mark Black History Month, reflecting upon the 2025 theme of “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.”
Kamiqua Lake, CEO, UK Black Comms Network, says: “At the UK Black Comms Network, we know that commitment, consistency and clarity are the foundations of lasting change. As we enter our fourth year of partnership with The Independent, I am proud that we continue to work together to drive equity, celebrate and shine a light on the contributions that Black communities across the country make every day.”
Independent Media is steadfast in its commitment to championing the values of equality and diversity in all its work to enact tangible change in society. Its programme of activity this Black History Month aims to further its ongoing championing of Black British voices and stories, past and present, in order to build a better, fairer future.
