It is an opportunity to celebrate and remember African, Caribbean and Black Britons' heritage who were living in the United Kingdom before the arrival of Empire Windrush at Tilbury docks in Essex in 1948. It focuses on notable Black Britons such as Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Kofoworola Abeni Pratt, Learie Constantine, Princess Adenrele Ademola, Frank Arthur Bailey and including black doctors and nurses working in health care before the NHS and the 18th-century black prisoners of war at Portchester Castle in 1796.

These key figures challenged the norm and helped create change and development in British society, economy and culture. Black History Month offers the opportunity to share, engage, inspire and learn black people's heritage and culture.