Share On
Celebrating Black History Month 2025 at South Essex Colleges Group
South Essex Colleges Group (SECG) is proud to celebrate Black History Month 2025, honouring the extraordinary achievements and lasting impact of African and Caribbean communities on education, culture, and society.
From Monday 13 October, students, staff and members of the public are invited to join a vibrant programme of lectures, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and performances across our campuses. The events will be led by expert speakers, industry professionals, alumni, and community leaders, offering thought-provoking insights and inspiring stories of leadership, creativity and resilience.
This year’s theme, “Education, Empowerment, and Legacy,” reflects our commitment to celebrating the achievements of the past while inspiring the next generation of leaders, creators and innovators.
The sessions will explore the remarkable influence of Black pioneers and professionals across the wide range of subjects taught within the college, including:
- Business & Enterprise – Showcasing the innovation and leadership of Black entrepreneurs who continue to shape industries around the world
- Public Services – Recognising the contributions of Black professionals in policing, justice, politics and civic leadership
- Service Industries, Catering & Hospitality – Celebrating the culinary heritage, service excellence and cultural diversity that enrich global hospitality
- Science, Engineering & Innovation – Highlighting the groundbreaking work of Black scientists, engineers and medical professionals driving progress and discovery
- Sports & Physical Education – Honouring athletes and change-makers who have used sport as a platform for empowerment and equality
- Creative & Performing Arts – Exploring the profound influence of Black writers, artists, performers and cultural movements on global arts and culture.
- Health, Care & Early Years – Paying tribute to those who have shaped healthcare, social reform and early childhood education through compassion and dedication.
Black History Month offers a valuable opportunity for our college community to come together, reflect on history and be inspired by the achievements and resilience of Black individuals and communities. It also encourages our students to recognise the profound contributions that have shaped every aspect of modern life.
All events are free and open to students, staff with some accessible to the wider community.
Please see full details of the programme of events below.
| Day | Date | Time | Location | Subject area | Session title | Format | Curriculum outcomes |
|
As per tutorial timetable |
As per tutorial timetable |
As per tutorial timetable |
Southend |
All curriculum Areas |
Stories of strength & resilience in becoming a professional |
Tutorial / Workshop |
Explore resilience through Black icons; Reflecting on challenges in as a professional in chosen vocational sector. |
|
Tuesday |
14.10.25 |
10.45 -11.45 |
Southend The Pod |
Mathematics |
African & Caribbean Contributions to Mathematics |
Seminar |
Learn about ancient Egyptian mathematics, fractals in African design, and AC mathematicians (Elbert Frank Cox, Euphemia Haynes). |
|
Tuesday |
14.10.25 |
10.00-11.30 |
Southend The Pod |
Culture & Language |
Standing Firm in Power and Pride – Exploring Heritage Voice and Representation through Story
|
Seminar |
Exploring and celebrating the rich tradition of African-Caribbean storytelling and its profound influence on literature, language and cultural identify |
|
Tuesday |
14.10.25 |
12.00 -13.00 |
Southend The Pod |
Personal Development |
The Roots of Resilience – a personal reflection on pursuing a leadership career |
In conversation |
Reflections on a journey to becoming the leader of one of the largest Further Education College Groups in the UK
|
|
Tuesday |
21.10.25 |
14.00-14.45 |
Pod |
Science |
Hidden Figures: Black Pioneers in Clinical Trials |
Seminar |
Highlight African Caribbean scientists and innovators. |
|
Tuesday |
21.10.25 |
15.00-16.45 |
Pod |
Business |
Career transformation |
Seminar |
Analyse case studies; evaluate enterprise skills. |
|
Wednesday |
22.10.25 |
12.00-13.00 |
Pod |
Creative Media |
Telling our stories – African-Caribbean & Mixed Heritage Voices in Film |
Seminar |
A personal exploration of how African-Caribbean and mixed-heritage filmmakers use film as a tool for storytelling, cultural preservation and social change. |
|
Wednesday |
22.10.25 |
10.45 -11.45 |
Pod |
Mathematics |
African & Caribbean Contributions to Mathematics |
Seminar |
Learn about ancient Egyptian mathematics, fractals in African design, and AC mathematicians (Elbert Frank Cox, Euphemia Haynes). |
|
Wednesday |
22.10.25 |
12.00-14.00 |
Training Kitchen & Student Lounge Room 2A.02 |
Hospitality & Catering |
Flavours of heritage: Exploring African and Caribbean Cuisine in Practice |
Practical Workshop |
Develop practical culinary skills and cultural awareness by exploring traditional African and Caribbean cuisines. |
|
Wednesday |
22.10.25 |
12.00-14.00 |
Atrium & Student Lounge Room 2A.02 |
Enrichment |
Standing Firm in Power and Pride: African-Caribbean Cultural Celebration |
Cultural Celebration Day |
Celebrate, learn an reflect on the rich heritage, creativity and resilience of those of African and Caribbean heritage |
