Black History Month 2026 celebrates the achievements, contributions and history of Black people in Britain. This year’s theme is “Honouring Our Communities”. To mark the event, Oluwapelumi Amanda Adeola of Trinity Chambers asked colleagues from across the law what BHM means to them. Here she speaks to Patience Abladey
Patience Abladey, Trinity Chambers
Black History Month 2026 is themed “Honouring Our Communities”. What does the theme mean to you professionally?
To me, “Honouring Our Communities” professionally means recognising and valuing the people, experiences and contributions that have helped shape our workplaces and wider society.
It is about celebrating the achievements of Black colleagues and communities, while also recognising the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels respected, included and able to progress. For me, honouring our communities means listening to different perspectives, challenging barriers and inequalities, and supporting others to have the same opportunities to succeed.
Professionally, I see the theme as a reminder that our communities are stronger when we recognise each other’s contributions, learn from one another and make sure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Do you consider family lawyers bear any responsibility to honour the communities they serve beyond achieving legal outcomes?
Yes they do. It means recognising and challenging barriers that may affect marginalised communities. It also means listening to clients’ experiences, respecting cultural and family differences, ensuring access to justice, and treating people with dignity throughout what can be a difficult process. For example, it could be as simple as, when representing a Black client whose young children have been removed from their care on an interim basis and placed in a setting that is not culturally aligned, it means raising the children’s particular needs, including appropriate care for Afro-Caribbean hair textures and skin, as well as access to culturally appropriate foods. While these matters may not necessarily have any legal bearing on the outcome of the case, raising them can help the client to feel heard, respected and supported.
How can the legal profession better build trust with communities that have historically felt underserved or marginalised?
The legal profession can strengthen trust by listening to communities, improving accessibility and promoting transparency. This includes communicating in clear, accessible language, ensuring individuals feel heard and respected, and reducing barriers to accessing legal advice and support.
Greater diversity and representation within the profession is also important, alongside a continued commitment to addressing inequality and promoting fair outcomes. Ultimately, trust is built through consistency, integrity and demonstrating through our actions that everyone is treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity.
Oluwapelumi Amanda Adeola is a barriter at Trinity Chambers and a member of Resolution’s EDI committee
Read the full article in The Review
