Celebrating Black History Month 2025: Standing Firm in Power and Pride

October 2, 2025

At Herts Ability, we’re proud to support Black History Month 2025 - a time to honour the achievements, history, and cultural impact of Black communities in the UK and beyond. This year’s theme, Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” is a powerful reminder of the strength, legacy, and resilience that define Black history - and a call to continue building a future rooted in inclusion, equity, and unity.

As an organisation that values diversity among our clients, staff, and future employees, we are committed to creating a community where every story is heard, every voice respected, and every person celebrated - not just in October, but all year round.

A Reflection from Ayo Oluwole, Driving Assessor & Occupational Therapist

“Black History Month is a time to honour the struggles, breaking of barriers and achievements of Black individuals throughout history.

As a young Black individual, it’s a reminder that the opportunities I have today exist because of those who fought to open doors before me. Their courage inspires me to keep pushing forward and to help create space for future generations.”

Power and Pride: The 2025 Theme

This year’s theme, "Standing Firm in Power and Pride," honours the profound impact Black people have had across civil rights, politics, healthcare, business, the arts, and beyond. It speaks to two central values:

💪 Power

Power represents leadership, influence, and the courage to drive change. From civil rights icons to present-day pioneers breaking barriers in every sector, the message is clear: true power lies in collective resilience and in creating a better world for all.

🖤 Pride

Pride celebrates identity, heritage, and the ongoing contributions of Black culture - from music and literature to community and education. It is a declaration of beauty, strength, and legacy that deserves to be celebrated every day!

Honouring Legacy: Key Anniversaries & Influential Figures

Commemorated in 2025:

  • 60 years since the Race Relations Act (1965) - a landmark law prohibiting racial discrimination.
  • 60 years since the assassination of Malcolm X - whose global impact on civil rights remains powerful today.
  • 80 years since the Fifth Pan-African Congress (1945) - which united leaders in the global call for racial justice and an end to colonialism.

Remembering Visionaries:

  • Paul Stephenson OBE (1937–2024) - led the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott, paving the way for anti-discrimination laws in the UK.
  • Lord Herman Ouseley (1945–2024) - former Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, who fought institutional racism and reshaped national conversations on race and education.

Their work reminds us that while we've come far, the journey continues - and Black History Month is both a remembrance and a call to action.

Client Spotlight: Courtney Maitland’s Story

We’re thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our client Courtney Maitland, who recently passed his driving assessment at our Harlow centre!

Courtney, a bilateral amputee, shared his experience:

“The team at Herts Ability made the assessment relaxed and tailored to my needs; they put me at ease, especially since I hadn’t driven in two years. With their support, I regained my confidence, and now I’m back behind the wheel! My advice? It can be done! Contact Herts Ability - there’s hope!”

Congratulations, Courtney - your determination inspires us all!

Top 3 Black UK Disabled Influencers You Should Know!

To celebrate Black excellence within the disabled community, here are five influential voices making waves in advocacy, fashion, media, and accessibility:

  1. Shelby Lynch
    • Content creator with spinal muscular atrophy; focuses on disability rights and accessible beauty.
  2. Sophia Moreau
    • Disability rights campaigner and DEI consultant; advocates against racism and ableism in UK systems.
  3. Isaac Harvey MBE
    • Speaker and disability advocate; born without arms and with short legs, he uses his platform to inspire.

Join Us in Celebrating Black History Month

At Herts Ability, we believe that Black history is everyone’s history - something to be acknowledged, appreciated, and celebrated every day. We invite you to stand with us this month and beyond, as we:

  • Honour the past
  • Celebrate the present
  • Inspire the future

Let’s keep the conversation going - not just this October, but all year long!