What Black History Month means?

Black history is rich and powerful yet often overlook or misunderstood. This Black History Month is an opportunity to recognise the strength and achievements of Black communities, to stand together in unity, and to speak out about the inequalities between race and homelessness. It’s a moment to honour resilience and use our platform to drive lasting change.

The connection between Racism and Homelessness

Young Black people disproportionately experience systemic racism, housing discrimination, poverty, unemployment and increased family conflict. This often results in homelessness. At EveryYouth, we know that young Black individuals are disproportionately represented in our services. In 2024, 12% of the young people we support in our Network are Black, despite only 4% of the population in England and Wales identifying as Black, according to the 2021 Census.

Sector research shows that Black people are four times more likely to experience homelessness (Heriot-Watt University, 2025). Qualitative data also reveals that Black people often face racial discrimination when seeking housing or support, reinforcing existing inequalities. This highlights the difficulties that can occur making it harder for young Black people to break the cycle of homelessness.

This year’s theme is Standing Firm in Power and Pride.

Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE, Editor at Black History Month UK says: “The message of this year’s Black History Month is clear: unity is strength. Despite challenges and differences, there is beauty and power in shared heritage. And so, as the community reflects on its history, it is also being called to action — to embrace that power, to speak it loudly, and to stand together in unity and pride.”

How EveryYouth is standing firm in Power and Pride

At EveryYouth, we are using this month to reflect on the importance of ensuring young Black people are not only seen but heard. We are passionate about giving young people a platform to use their voices, share their experiences, and challenge the barriers they face.

CEO Nicholas Connolly says: “EveryYouth wholeheartedly embraces Black History Month’s power and pride theme. In the face of such negative and divisive rhetoric sweeping the country we should never overlook the inherent power of individuals and communities to change their circumstances and build lives they can be proud of.” 

EveryYouth is committed to championing representative voices of young people, challenging harmful societal perceptions and proving that with support at the right time, young people can overcome almost any barrier.

Being united is essential to achieving fair and equal treatment for all young people. We’re proud to provide a collaborative platform for young people, across our Network, so all young people can showcase their talents and thrive without limitation.

But we know we’re not perfect – there will always be more work to do. We are committed to listening, learning, and taking action to ensure young Black people are represented, supported and celebrated.

Ways you can take action

• Join Sleep Out – Show your solidarity by giving up your bed for one night. Together, we can create a community where every young person has the chance to thrive.

• Donate to EveryYouth – Your donation helps us provide safe housing, mental health support, and career opportunities for young people to reach their potential.

• Amplify Voices – Share Shining Stories like Victoria’s and Tionte’s, to raise awareness and challenge stereotypes within your own network.

Organisations supporting young Black people

This Black History Month, we want to recognise the incredible work of some organisations in the UK: 

• Access UK – an organisation that provides employment and training opportunities for young BME (Black Minority Ethnic) people to achieve their potential. Their community-based services help improve the education and employability of BME people across the UK.  

• Amos Bursary – an organisation that supports and empowers young people of African and Caribbean heritage to achieve their academic and professional ambitions.

• BALM (Black Learning Achievement and Mental Health) – a not-for-profit organisation that provides education and mental health support to young Black people.  

• Black Minds Matter – an organisation with the mission to connect Black individuals and families with free mental health services and remove the stigma surrounding mental health in the community.  

• Colours Youth Network – an organisation that uplifts, empowers and supports young people of colour who are LGBTQI+ aged 16-25 to explore and celebrate who they are through meaningful connections to other young people and a team of experienced youth workers. 

• Sistah Space – a community-based non-profit initiative created to bridge the gap in domestic abuse services for African heritage women and girls.  

• Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation – an organisation providing marginalised young people mentoring, coaching, work experience opportunities, and bursaries for education and training to create a more equitable and inclusive society in the UK. 

• Show Racism the Red Card – a campaign that produces educational resources to challenge misconceptions, stereotypes and negative attitudes in society and delivers educational workshops to young people and adults in schools, workplaces and at events held in football stadiums.  

We encourage you to show your support for these organisations. Building a more equitable society in the UK is a shared responsibility, and at EveryYouth we are committed to playing our part.