November 6, 2025 by Conor Sharkey
DOZENS of people gathered in Ulster University’s Magee campus on Friday, October 24, for the North West Migrants Forum’s annual Black History Summit.
The theme this year was ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’ and attendees listened to speakers from all regions of the UK as they reflected on current debates surrounding migration, race and identity.
The Black History Summit is an element of the North West Migrants Forum’s wider ‘Black Heritage NI: The Hidden History Project’, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, the project is able to shine a light on the often-overlooked contributions, experiences and resilience of Black communities in Northern Ireland.
Opening what was the North West Migrants Forum’s fifth Black History Summit, the charity’s CEO, Lilian Seenoi Barr, described the event as an opportunity to “pause, learn and connect”.
Mrs Barr said, “Today, people of colour and migrants still face discrimination.
“We remain invisible in spaces where we are more than capable of leading and contributing meaningfully. And far too often we continue to be met with hostility, especially in times like these when both global and local tensions are rising.
“That is why our theme this year is powerful and intentional, Standing Firm in Power and Pride.
“It is a reminder that while we honour our pain, injustice and erasure of the past, we also stand tall in the pride, strength, creativity and resilience that defines both Black history and Black future.”
Among the contributors to the afternoon of discussion was Zita Holbourne who travelled from England to participate in the Summit.
As well as being a writer, multi-award-winning artist, educator, community activist and trade union leader, Zita Holbourne has done momentous work in exposing the Windrush Scandal.
Joining her on the podium was Lisa Williams, founder of the Edinburgh Caribbean Association. Ms Williams curates education programmes, arts events and walking tours to promote awareness of Black Scottish history and links between Scotland and the Caribbean.
Rajvi Glasbrook is senior implementation manager for the Welsh Government Anti-racist Wales Action Plan. Ms Glasbrook worked on the ‘Cynefin’ report which made the teaching of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic histories mandatory in the Curriculum for Wales.
Among the panellists were Dr Naomi Green, a researcher on the North West Migrants Forum’s Hidden History Project. She was joined by Ulster University researcher Seun Owanuga and Daniel Sanusi, organiser of Ulster University Students’ Union’s first-ever Black History Month.
Lilian Seenoi Barr said it was an honour to be able to introduce speakers and panellists who are literally shaping national conversations and policies in every part of the United Kingdom.
On hand to counterbalance the rich programme of knowledge-sharing were Maasai traditional folk singer Nelson Ngotiek and Irish country star Ritchie Remo who united for a unique cross-cultural fusion of music and dance.
It was left to Liverpudlian activist, author and politician Chantelle Lunt to bring Black History Summit 2025 to a close.
Speaking afterwards, Manager of the Black Heritage NI: The Hidden History Project, Aynaz Zarif described it as a memorable and meaningful day.
“We are delighted that everything came together so well for the Black History Month Summit,” Ms Zarif said.
“The event was a remarkable day filled with great conversations, performances and powerful voices that highlighted the importance of representation and shared history.
“A huge thanks to all the speakers, facilitators, performers and attendees who contributed to making the Summit so meaningful and memorable.
“We are already looking forward to next year’s event.”
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033.
Over the next ten years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.
We help protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.
We are passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund www.heritagefund.org.uk
Further information
For further information, images and interviews please contact Conor Sharkey, Media and Communications Officer at North West Migrants Forum. Via email: c.sharkey@nwmf.org.uk or by phone: 02871 362184 or 07842445825.
