Black History Month '25 - Standing Firm in Power and Pride

Standing Firm in Power and Pride - a theme supported by centuries of history in which Black individuals have consistently demonstrated courage, vision and agency.

From the abolition of slavery to ongoing efforts toward economic empowerment, Black communities continue to stand firm against the reduction of corporate support for Black employees and communities, as well as prejudice and microaggressions Black people face daily.

However, Black history is not solely about struggle; it is also about resilience and pride. This year's Black History Month theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride, celebrates both historical achievements and the strength found in shared heritage. It underscores the importance of unity and collective pride in harnessing power.

In this article, you will discover individuals who have utilised their power for positive change, along with events organised by our student groups to celebrate the strength and contributions of the Black community.

Paul Stephenson (1937-2024) - The Quiet Power of Refusal

Paul Stephenson experienced prejudice from a young age. Having grown up in a children’s home, he was often taunted and excluded, which left him feeling as though he didn’t belong. It was only later in life, during his time with the Royal Air Force, that Stephenson began to feel a sense of belonging. His experience with the RAF shaped his confidence and helped him see himself as a citizen with both rights and responsibilities.

In 1962, Stephenson moved to Bristol. Alongside other Caribbean and African migrants, he worked hard to help rebuild the country. However, their labour went largely unrecognised. This became evident when the Bristol Omnibus Company refused to employ Black and Asian men as bus drivers and restricted them instead to cleaning roles. 

Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, Stephenson used his voice and influence to organise a city-wide boycott, urging Bristolians to stop using the buses. After just over 60 days, the company lifted its ban which was a historic turning point. 

Stephenson described the boycott as a collective victory, insisting that it belonged to the community rather than to him alone. 

He remained a lifelong advocate for fairness, and in 2009, Paul Stephenson was awarded the OBE for his services to equal opportunities and community relations.

EF6REP London, UK, UK. 27th Jan, 2015. Paul Stephenson attends the UK Premiere of ”Selma” at Curzon Mayfair. Credit: Ferdaus Shamim/ZUMA Wire/Alamy Live News. Educational purposes use

Source: Paul Stephenson: - The Quiet Revolutionary - Black History Month 2025

Altheia Jones-LeCointe (1945) - Scientist, Revolutionary and Leader of the British Black Panthers

Jones-LeCointe led the British Panthers Movement, transforming it into one of the most disciplined and politically coherent organisations of its time.

A young Caribbean woman in science, Jones-LeCointe moved to Britain on a scholarship. She often felt underrepresented as a woman in her field and faced daily racism in 1960s Britain.

As leader of the British Black Panther Movement, she placed strong emphasis on political education and made gender equality a central principle. The Panthers campaigned vigorously against police brutality, poor housing and discrimination in education.

In 1970, Jones-LeCointe and eight other activists were arrested for rioting and other serious offences, despite having protested peacefully against police harassment of the Mangrove restaurant (a hub of the Black community). Representing herself in court, she won national attention when the trial resulted in the first judicial acknowledgement that the Metropolitan Police had displayed “racial hatred”. 

Altheia Jones-LeCointe exposed institutional racism within the police, supported the careers of many women and shaped the Panthers into a politically literate movement. She stood firm against prejudice and used her power to transform lives.

Altheia Jones-LeCointe. Credit: Photograph - Neil Kenlock, c1970. Educational purposes use

Source: Altheia Jones-LeCointe: Scientist, Revolutionary, and Leader of the British Black Panthers

Pride & Power: A Black History Month Event

On 22 October, we celebrated Pride & Power at The Union. The event was led by students who planned a night of activities to recognise the influence and creativity of Black culture. 

The night was packed with drinks, delicious food and multiple live performances. The community came together to celebrate the culture and the strength of the Black community! Congratulations to the Nigerian Society and Afro Fusion Society for organising a night to remember!