From poetry and worship to music, food and honest conversations, Black History Month has brought people together across the Diocese of Liverpool in many different ways. This year’s theme, Honouring Our Communities, invited us to celebrate the people whose faith, creativity, generosity and everyday contributions enrich our churches and neighbourhoods.
For Danielle Azanuwha, from Countering Hate, Cultivating Hope (CHCH), it was those everyday contributions that stood out.
“Focusing on the everyday contributions is what sticks out to me. BHM is a celebration, a time for focus, but what’s important to remember is every single day our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues from the Black community turn up to support, sustain and strengthen the UK.”
Throughout October, Danielle and the CHCH team joined communities across the diocese to celebrate Black history and heritage. At Liverpool Cathedral, poet Lemn Sissay OBE shared his experiences through poetry and storytelling, inviting people to reflect on identity, family and belonging. Another evening, held as part of Prisons Week, brought people together for a screening of Holloway and a conversation with Lady Unchained, whose experiences of the prison system and journey of faith raised important questions about how the Church can offer hope and support.
As Danielle reflected, “What role does the Church have and how can it use its position to support those affected?”
Coming Together in Faith and Community
In St Helens, where CHCH has been working closely with the deanery, Black History Month brought a wonderful celebration to St Helens Minster. Following a statement from the local Reform UK council leader opposing support for Black History Month events, the community came together with renewed determination to celebrate.
The Minster was filled with people from across the region, enjoying music, dancing, food and a colourful fashion show. A panel discussion also explored how education can help break down barriers and build stronger communities. It was a joyful example of how churches can bring people together and create spaces where everyone feels welcome.
For Keziah Gitonga, the Diocese’s Racial Justice Officer, this was her first Black History Month in the role.
“My first Black History Month as Racial Justice Officer for the Diocese of Liverpool has revealed generosity and commitment across the Diocese and beyond.”
Working with Liverpool Cathedral, social justice colleagues, LDCSA and the Good Funeral Company, Keziah helped bring together a programme of worship, learning and remembrance. This included a theatre visit to Death of a Salesman and a special Black History Month service at Liverpool Cathedral, which welcomed one of its largest congregations in many years.
Keziah preached and administered Holy Communion, while UKME clergy led the intercessions for the first time. It was a meaningful celebration of the gifts people from different backgrounds bring to the Church, reflecting the Diocese’s Acts 11 Church vision of belonging, shared leadership and welcome.
The month’s impact has already extended beyond the events themselves, with new opportunities for learning, community partnerships and conversations about making churches more welcoming and inclusive.
Black History Month Is Not the End
There is still one important gathering to come. On Monday 9 November at 10.30am, Liverpool Cathedral will host the inaugural Rivers of Life, Rivers of Memory Memorial Service, led by Keziah in partnership with the Good Funeral Company.
Through prayer and remembrance, the service will honour African people who died through the Transatlantic and Indian Ocean slave trades, offering an opportunity to remember, reflect and seek healing together. Everyone is welcome, with refreshments and fellowship afterwards from 12.30pm at St Bride’s Church, Percy Street, Liverpool.
As October comes to an end, there is much to be thankful for, from the stories shared and friendships formed to the moments of worship and celebration. These experiences remind us of our Christian calling to love our neighbours, listen to one another and recognise the dignity of every person made in God’s image.
Churches wishing to continue this work can connect with the Diocese’s Racial Justice Team for resources, training and support, including the Parish Racial Justice Toolkit and Radical Welcome.
As Keziah reminds us:
“Black History Month may be ending, but our shared work of racial justice, healing, reconciliation and restoration continues.”
