Bay Media is proud to support Black History Month 2025, partnering with local authorities across Hammersmith & Fulham and Croydon to help celebrate this year’s national theme: “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.”
Organised by Black History Month UK, the 2025 theme is a powerful tribute to resilience, strength and enduring spirit. It celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Black leaders, artists, activists and everyday heroes who have shaped our world, while looking ahead to a future built on empowerment and growth.
→ Three musical powerhouses: Eartha Kitt, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Fela Kuti
Celebrating in Hammersmith & Fulham: Portraits of Power
In Hammersmith & Fulham, we worked with the local council to install 22 banners along King Street for an open-air exhibition, featuring striking photographic portraits that honour past and present residents of African and Caribbean heritage. The banners are unified by a striking design: a large, close-up, black-and-white portrait set above a bold, red block bearing the BHM tagline, “STANDING FIRM IN POWER AND PRIDE.”
Honouring Historical and Contemporary Trailblazers
The exhibition showcases figures who have shaped the community, including:
- Historical Figures: Banners feature iconic figures such as nurse Mary Seacole (1805 to 1881), sculptor Edmonia Lewis (1844 to 1907), musician Fela Kuti (1938 to 1997), and jazz singer Adelaide Hall (1901 to 1993). Other notable figures include civil rights activists William and Ellen Craft, composer Reginald Foresythe and community leader Connie Mark.
- Political and Social Pioneers: The display highlights Janet Adegoke (1942 to 1987), celebrated as the first Black woman to serve as Mayor of a London borough and political activist Marcus Garvey (1887 to 1940).
- Contemporary Community Leaders: The exhibition also celebrates modern figures who embody the theme, featuring Charlotte Thomas-Rowe (CEO of Hurdles2Hoops), Eurydice Caldwell (Founder of Gener8te), and Chris Jordan (Founder and CEO of Managing Our Mental), recognising their positive work in the community.
Celebrating in Croydon: The Art of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
We’re also proud to support Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) with a prolific 29 banner campaign dedicated to Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912). Keely Dench, Business Engagement & Place Manager for Croydon BID, highlights the enduring legacy of the musician and his deep connection to the area:
“This year, Croydon Council is so proud to be celebrating the anniversary of a trailblazing composer, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, in Croydon. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor is a well-known face in Croydon, thanks to the mural that appears above the Centrale Shopping Centre, but his story is lesser-known and his incredible contribution to music, undercelebrated. As a composer of mixed Sierra Leonean and English heritage during the Victorian era, he faced many challenges during his lifetime. This anniversary year is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on his life and legacy.”
Keely goes on to describe how the project celebrates both creativity and community:
“Through this banner project Croydon Council is delighted to have commissioned nine Global Majority artists to create these brand new artworks to appear along the High Street and North End – each one uniquely representing part of Coleridge-Taylor’s life. It brings vibrancy to Croydon town centre and highlights the contributions of a Black pioneer in music history, as well as encapsulating the themes of this year’s Black History Month 2025 – power and pride. We invite everyone to follow the trail of artworks for themselves, starting from West Croydon Station, continuing along North End to Croydon High Street where you will find a display with more information about each of the artists involved.”
Artistic Tributes
The banner series captures Coleridge-Taylor’s life and influence through a range of artistic styles and interpretations, from vivid portraits to abstract and symbolic designs. Themes include:
- Celebrating identity and legacy: visual homages that honour Coleridge-Taylor’s heritage and impact.
- Moments of creativity: artworks inspired by his musical journey and personal story.
- Symbolism and imagination: abstract pieces reflecting hope, inspiration and change.
Standing Together
As Black History Month 2025 marks key anniversaries, including the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act, the death of Malcolm X and the Bristol Bus Boycott led by Paul Stephenson, we’re honoured to help shine a light on those who paved the way for progress through our partnerships with Hammersmith & Fulham and Croydon.