30 Leicester organisations join forces under new official Black History Month seal of approval

Only approved events can carry the seal.

Leicester-based Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage has announced the Official Black History Month Sankofa Seal, a bold and unifying symbol of shared purpose, creativity and community pride.

From grassroots collectives to major institutions, organisations are aligning to amplify Black voices and heritage with integrity and unity. The Sankofa Seal will feature across official Black History Month events, ensuring that programming reflects the core values of authentic representation, quality and inclusivity.

“We are proud to stand together in solidarity,” said a spokesperson for one of the participating organisations. “This is not just about one month, it’s about making Black history visible, valued and vibrant all year round.”

Developed and overseen by Serendipity, the seal marks a significant moment of partnership, with 30 leading cultural and business organisations coming together in a landmark show of academic working and mutual respect.

“This seal is more than a logo – it’s a statement of shared commitment,” said Pawlet Brookes,

CEO of Serendipity. “It affirms that Black History Month in Leicester is built on collaboration,

care and community – and that every event bearing the Sankofa Seal upholds the legacy and

future of Black cultural excellence.”

What the Sankofa Seal stands for

Authenticity: Only approved events celebrating the African and African Caribbean Diaspora

can carry the seal.

Quality: A standard of artistic and community excellence.

Visibility: A trusted marker for audiences to identify meaningful programming.

The seal comes with a clear set of usage guidelines, ensuring consistency across both print and digital media. Organisations must apply for approval from Serendipity to use the seal, and are encouraged to use it in ways that align with the values of Black History Month: pride, education and empowerment.

This unprecedented level of cooperation signals a powerful step forward. Cultural venues, educational institutions, local businesses, and community organisations across Leicester have embraced the seal as a symbol of collective responsibility and shared storytelling.

Whether it’s a heritage exhibition, spoken word night, film screening, or school programme, audiences can now look out for the Sankofa Seal as a sign of integrity, celebration and respect.