We'll be celebrating Black barristers on social media throughout October. Come join us:

Read a collection of blogs, articles and reflections of the Black perspective of life at the Bar. Written by Black judges, barristers and other Bar professionals throughout the year.  

We've also pulled together a list of events happening across the Bar for Black History Month this year.

Blogs and articles

Standing firm in power and pride - Black History Month 2025

During October we're profiling 9 leading Black barristers chosen by our Race Panel

From internship to pupillage: my journey through the 10KBI scheme

Pupil barrister Corey Boothe recounts his experience of the Bar’s first paid internship and how it shaped his career.

Race Panel co-chairs win diversity champion award

Laurie-Anne Power KC and Simon Regis CBE were recognised at the Legal 500 ESG Awards 2025

The 10,000 Black Interns (10KBI) Programme: ‘A unique platform to break through barriers’

The 10,000 Interns Foundation provides paid internships for Black students and graduates through the 10,000 Black Interns (10KBI) Programme. The exposure to life at the Bar from an array of perspectives has proven to be invaluable to interns. Here, some of 2023’s interns share their thoughts and reflections on their experiences.

Black women leaders at the Bar

Barristers Natasha Shotunde, Elaine Banton and Barbara Mills KC in conversation with the Bar Council’s Equality and Diversity Policy Analyst Mariam Diaby for Black History Month.

Building meaningful connections at the Black Counsel Forum

This Autumn the Black Counsel Forum is back, building on the success of last year’s event. Lewitt Nurse explains what’s in store and picks out some highlights from BCF 2022.

The origins of Black History Month

In a blog for the Bar Council Judge Munonyedi explains how Black History Month started.

10,000 Black Interns scheme has been a "defining moment" in my legal career

Khaliq Martin is the winner of the Bar internship blog competition

Reflections on key Black figures in Britain’s history

A guest blog by First Tier Tribunal Judge Munonyedi for Black History Month

Black History Month spotlight: Diversity on the Midland Circuit

Karen Kabweru-Namulemu, Midland Circuit rep on the Bar Council’s Race Working Group, writes about local initiatives to improve racial diversity and access to the Bar in the Midlands.

Guest blog: On the front line with Black Protest Legal Support UK

Yvonne Kramo, Black Protest Legal Support UK (BPLS) committee member, writes on how hundreds of BPLS legal observers have been assisting Black Lives Matter protestors

Black History Month blog: How we benefit from bringing Black History Month into the workplace

Abimbola Johnson, barrister at 25 Bedford Row, discusses why it is important for non-black members of the profession to consider how they view Black History Month, particularly if their workplace and social circle is not particularly diverse.

Black History Month blog: It is about inclusion and belonging

Karen Safo, barrister at law and human rights activist, discusses what becoming a barrister is about.

Events
Black Silk Panel Event

Thursday 2 October 2025

Gray’s Inn

Black History Month Diversity Social

Thursday 2 October

Lincoln's Inn

Standing Firm: Black Legal Excellence Then, Now and Tomorrow

Tuesday 14 October 2025

St Philips Chambers, Birmingham

Black History Month webinar

Tuesday 21 October 2025

North Eastern Circuit

Black History Month 2025 – CV Workshop & Careers Event

Friday 24 October 2025

St Ives Chambers, Birmingham

Black History Month Celebration

Monday 27 October 2025

Middle Temple

If you have any events you'd like to list here for Black History Month, please send a link to the event to [email protected].

10,000 Black interns

The Bar Council is pleased to support the Bar’s Steering Group for the 10,000 Black Interns initiative.

Pre-application judicial education programme (PAJE)

Developed by the Judicial Diversity Forum to support groups under-represented in the judiciary