Black History Month 2025 — Pioneers, changemakers and the challenges facing black law professionals in Scotland

Black British journalist Sue Omar highlights the importance of Black History Month, and reflects on the racial disparities and systemic barriers faced by Black solicitors, partners and other legal professionals.

Founded in October 1987, Black History Month is an annual celebration that commemorates the achievements, contributions and rich cultural heritage of Afro-Caribbean communities in the UK. This year, it returns with the inspiring theme, ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’ – a powerful tribute to the profound legacy of global civil rights leaders, activists and pioneers whose unwavering commitment to progress has shaped history and future generations.

Black History Month is also honouring key anniversaries this year, including the 60th anniversary of the Race Relations Act and the assassination of Malcolm X, as well as the passing of civil rights campaigner Dr Paul Stephenson OBE (1937-2024), who led the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott, a defining protest that paved the way for the racial discrimination laws in place today. 

In relation to the law and justice system in the UK, Black History Month provides an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the people, practices and movements that have driven change.

The legacy of pioneering Black British changemakers 

On 5 September 2025, history was made as the Labour Party appointed Britain’s first Black deputy prime minister, David Lammy, currently also serving as justice secretary and lord chancellor. This year, we have also witnessed Kemi Badenoch become the first Black person to lead the Conservative Party, marking a major milestone in the progression of race relations in the UK.

Black Britons are making their mark in multiple sectors – from politics to law, sports and entertainment – more than ever before, and it has become increasingly common to talk more openly about race and the obstacles that Black communities are met with in all aspects of life.

But this, of course, hasn’t always been the case. To truly understand how far the UK has come on the journey towards racial equality, and to work towards a future that champions continued empowerment, unity and growth, we need to recognise the resilience of the Black changemakers who have helped radically reform race legislation. For more than six decades, their tireless efforts, determination and advocacy have fought against the racial disparities that disproportionately affect the lives of Black people in the UK and beyond.

Among these trailblazing individuals is the late Lord Herman Ouseley (1945-2024), who was the first Black chief executive in local government, former chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, founder of Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football (a campaign that evolved into anti-discrimination charity Kick it Out) and a pioneer who contributed to establishing Black History Month as a national event. His vision for fairness, equity and inclusion of Black British people – from all cultural backgrounds and walks of life – sparked important conservations on race, education and institutional reform.

British educationalist and community activist Dame Jocelyn Barrow (1929-2020) was the first Black woman to serve as a governor of the BBC, an influential member of the Women’s Consultative Committee on Race Relations and a pioneer of the Windrush generation. 

Meanwhile, Diane Abbott, the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons, has spent more than three decades fighting for justice and racial equality and is currently serving her historic 10th term as MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, London – a true testament to her power and pride in building a better Britain for all.

“In my view, ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’ is all about owning my identity without apology, taking up space and recognising those who came before us,” says award-winning Black Scottish journalist and broadcaster Afua Hagan. “Those who broke glass ceilings and fought for equality and our representation. It’s about remembering them, standing in their footsteps and continuing their work as best as we can and with as much confidence as we can. We must remember our stories and our culture, and remember that the things we have achieved in the past and will go on to achieve in the future are powerful,” she adds. “It’s about not shrinking to fit in and, like I said earlier, taking up space.”

Breaking bias and supporting Black law professionals

While significant strides have been made in establishing civil rights laws in the UK, Black solicitors, partners and legal professionals still encounter unique challenges in the workplace, especially in less diverse regions such as Scotland.

“You can’t have proper justice that is fair without diversity at every level,” says Afua. “If you have proper representation, you can ensure that laws and policies are shaped and applied with a full understanding of the lived experiences of all communities. When you have Black people as part of the conversation on every level – as lawyers, as administration staff, as judges, as people who make policy – then you have different voices and representation. That can challenge the institutional racism and it can challenge bias, which is hugely important,” she adds. “Also, for young Black Scottish people to see themselves in the justice system, if they are ever up against it, will help them understand if it’s fair, informed by their own first-hand experience.”

As for access to the training, resources and mentorship that gives young Black people an equal opportunity to thrive in the legal sector, much more can be done to support talent from diverse backgrounds.

“One of the biggest challenges is access to opportunities, particularly at the entry stage,” says Immigration Advice Service (IAS) caseworker Shauntae Campbell, who is of Black Caribbean heritage. “After completing my law degree and legal practice course, I faced significant barriers in securing a training contract, something many Black law graduates struggled with.

“Beyond entry, representation at senior levels within the profession remains limited, which affects progression and mentorship opportunities,” she explains. “These challenges often leave Black law professionals feeling overlooked or undervalued and can make it harder to see a clear path forward in their careers.”

Allyship and shaping a more inclusive future

Looking ahead, the future of law and justice in the UK is very much in the hands of the next generation, which is why it’s essential to invest in Black talent now rather than later. Whether you’re an employer or a colleague of a Black legal professional, it’s your responsibility to contribute to promoting an inclusive work environment for all – one that is welcoming, progressive and feels safe to join.

Creating equal opportunities for aspiring Black lawyers and future leaders requires active allyship. From amplifying Black voices to promoting strategies on how to get ahead in the field and sharing your professional networks, there are many things you can do to show your support. Be self-aware and always try to do the right thing – and if you’re not sure what that is, have an open and respectful dialogue with the Black people in your teams.

“To aspiring Black lawyers, my advice would be this: don’t let underrepresentation discourage you, see it as a call to action,” says Shauntae. “You have the power to become the representation that someone else desperately needs. Every step you take is a step towards change, and your presence in this profession is part of the solution.”