This October, we’re celebrating Black History Month! The theme for 2025 is “Standing Together in Power and Pride,” where power represents ‘the influence, leadership, and capacity to effect positive change’ and Pride reflects ‘cultural identity, heritage, and the celebration of Black excellence.’ To learn more about Black History Month and this year’s theme, visit the Black History Month website and magazine.

At the Social Science Library, we’ve created a book display showcasing the contributions of Black leaders, activists, and pioneers across the social sciences. Alongside titles from the SSL’s own collection, we’ve included works from the Collections Storage Facility that explore Black history more widely. Some of these books are available to borrow, while others are for use in the library only — please ask a member of staff if you’re unsure.

In addition to our physical display, Oxford University staff and students can access ebooks from the display through SOLO. For an even broader selection of texts celebrating Black scholarship across the Bodleian Libraries, take a look at the ORLO reading list: CY25_OXF_Black History Month_Celebrating Black Scholarship.

As part of the celebrations, Oxford University will host its annual Black History Month Lecture, Power and Pride: Histories of African and Caribbean People in Britain, delivered by historian Professor Hakim Adi. You can find more information and book your ticket on the website here.