Luton celebrates Black History Month 2026

This year’s theme, ‘Honouring Our Communities’, shines a light on the everyday acts of leadership, care, service, creativity and courage that help strengthen our communities – often carried out without expectation of recognition.

Events will take place across Luton throughout October, giving residents opportunities to come together, celebrate Black culture and heritage, and learn more about the people and stories that have shaped the town. Residents can find out more about events taking place throughout October by visiting the Luton Black History Month events programme.

Black Luton: Our Past, Our Present, Our Future

Luton Council is also supporting Mary Seacole Housing Association’s Black History Month 2026 campaign, ‘Black Luton’, celebrating Black contributions, achievement and potential through three themes: Luton Past, Luton Present and Luton Future.

The community-led campaign will share local stories of the people who helped shape Luton, those making a difference today and emerging Black talent inspiring the next generation – including individuals whose contributions may not yet be widely recognised.

Follow Luton Council and Mary Seacole Housing Association on social media throughout October to discover more local stories and celebrate Black history in Luton.

Councillor Maria Lovell MBE said: “‘Honouring Our Communities’ means recognising the sacrifice, service, contributions, and cultural pride of generations who have kept our heritage alive.

“This Black History Month, we celebrate their legacy and continue to work together in Luton to honour our Black Unsung Heroes, ensuring they are respected, acknowledged and celebrated.

"Five years on from our landmark cross-party Black Lives Matter motion, in response to the priorities raised by local people we are seeing real, measurable progress improving diversity and representation in our workforce, achievement in our schools, and opportunity and participation across our communities, and we remain committed to going further.

“Black History Month is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to building a fairer, more inclusive society where every community feels valued, heard and empowered to thrive.”

Matthew Bushnell, CEO of Mary Seacole Housing Association, said: “I encourage everyone to get involved throughout Black History Month – attend an event, share a story or simply take the opportunity to learn more about the people who have contributed so much to Luton, and continue to do so.

“Through Black Luton, we want to shine a light on the people and stories that have helped shape our town, those making a difference today and the next generation of Black talent and leaders. It is a chance to celebrate the achievements of our Black communities, recognise those whose contributions may not always be visible, and inspire the next generation to make their own mark on our town.”

Nominate your Unsung Black Heroes

As part of Black History Month 2026, Luton Council is also inviting residents to nominate their Unsung Black Heroes – people who have made a significant contribution to their community and who deserve to be recognised.

More than 100 people have been recognised through the annual Unsung Black Heroes event to date, celebrating the contribution of Black African Caribbean communities and helping to raise awareness of the individuals who make a difference across Luton.

An Unsung Black Hero could be anyone who has gone above and beyond to support others – from a local GP, community or faith leader, youth worker or volunteer, to a neighbour who is always there to help.

This year, nominations will recognise young adults aged 18 to 25 and adults, alongside a Role of Honour Award, recognising two older members of the community who have demonstrated many years of dedication and service to Luton’s Black communities.

Nominate an Unsung Black Hero

Support for the Windrush Generation

As part of Black History Month, Luton Council is also raising awareness of the Windrush Compensation Scheme and the support available to members of the Windrush generation.

Anyone who believes they may be eligible, or who is supporting someone who may be eligible, can access free advice from the Windrush Compensation Scheme Advice Line on 0800 678 1925, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Further information and support is available through the Windrush Help Team.