Black History Month – Honouring our Heroes: ‘She is the epitome of strength, resilience, and joy’

October is Black History Month in the UK, widely regarded as one of the most prominent cultural celebrations of the year.

This year’s theme is Reclaiming Narratives, a call to take control of the stories of Black history, and a reminder to take the time to honour our heroes and shine a light on the profound impact of Black individuals.

As the month comes to an end, young people and UK Youth staff members have been Honouring their Heroes, by sharing which Black individuals have inspired them, which have had the biggest influence on their life, and who they look up to.

UK Youth corporate partnerships manager Saira Falkus-Holder said she was inspired by poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou.

Saira says: “I absolutely adore Maya Angelou and love her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

“For me, she is the epitome of strength, resilience, and joy. Hearing about all the trials and tribulations she suffered throughout her youth, yet how she also became the first Black streetcar conductor in San Francisco, always inspires me.

“Regardless of what she went through, she was always able to bestow wisdom upon us with a smile. Most of all, I love her way of using words in poetry as a form of self-catharsis, but also in a way that touches, soothes, and empowers others.

“My favourite poem of hers is Still I Rise, and I have drawn strength and pride from it throughout difficult times. I read it as a call to the Black diaspora to be proud of our history, as well as to stay steadfast through hard times. However, I also see it as being applicable to people of all backgrounds, reminding us to not dim our shine for anyone and that better times are around the corner, as surely, life goes on.

“The title of the poem is one of the first tattoos I got in 2017. It signifies the courageous spirit of my paternal grandmother who passed away in 2016. Even though she fought through multiple cancer battles and a stroke, she lived life to the fullest, not letting her wheelchair or disability stop her from going back home to Barbados.”

Melvin Riley has been part of UK Youth’s Young Changemakers programme, in partnership with The Diana Award and Centre for Mental Health. He looks up to entrepreneurs Steven Bartlett and Vusi Thembekwayo.

Melvin, from Wolverhampton, says: “They have profoundly shaped my outlook on business, entrepreneurship, and public speaking by embodying a vision of success that merges innovation with impact.

“Steven’s ability to transform digital spaces with authenticity and boldness resonates with my desire to disrupt the tech industry while staying true to my values.

“Vusi’s fearless approach to entrepreneurship, coupled with his unmatched storytelling, has inspired me to view public speaking as not just a skill but a tool for driving real, systemic change.

“Together, they’ve shown me that leadership in business and tech is about more than success—it’s about shaping narratives, elevating others, and leaving a legacy.

“I’m most inspired by Dr Vee Kativhu, a trailblazer as a global education activist, who is actively making history and shaping the future.

“Vee’s journey, which I’ve followed for years, shows how young leaders can boldly challenge norms, drive meaningful change, and create legacies at a young age. Watching her create living history motivates me to do the same in my own way—through tech, politics, SDGs, and entrepreneurship.

“Like Vee, I believe youth can redefine leadership and impact, and her story inspires me to be intentional and fearless in creating real, lasting change.”

UK Youth embraces Black History Month and the chance to ‘recognise and correct narratives of Black history and culture’

Honouring our Heroes: ‘Dedication and resilience in the face of adversity’

Honouring our Heroes: ‘I can only imagine the loneliness and culture shock she must have felt’

Embracing Our Stories: ‘Being Black means celebrating my rich heritage’

Embracing Our Stories: ‘I learned to reclaim my power’

Empower and Educate: ‘Knowledge is a powerful tool’

UK Youth is a leading charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. With an open network of more than 9,000 youth organisations and nation partners; UK Youth reaches more than four million young people across the UK and is focused on unlocking youth work as the catalyst of change that is needed now more than ever. To find out more, visit ukyouth.org 

UK Youth is involved in a range of programmes designed to help young people thrive, such as outdoor learning, physical literacy, social action and employability. For more on UK Youth’s programmes, see ukyouth.org/what-we-do/programmes