This year's Black History Week, held at Newbold College from 5–9 October 2026, was an opportunity to celebrate Black heritage, explore the historical development of predominantly Black churches and create meaningful conversations about race, identity and Christian worship. Under the theme “Let's Have Church,” we sought to do more than celebrate culture; we wanted to deepen understanding and appreciation of the historical experiences that have shaped Black expressions of faith.

Colloquially, “Let's have church” captures the passionate, expressive and deeply spiritual atmosphere often associated with African and African-Caribbean worship traditions. However, behind the music, preaching and celebration lies a rich history that deserves to be understood and appreciated, particularly in spaces where Black expressions of worship can sometimes be misunderstood or met with scepticism.

We began on Monday with a seminar led by Dr Gifford Rhamie, titled “Why Do Black People Worship the Way They Do?” Through an engaging presentation, Dr Rhamie explored the relationship between the biblical narrative, imperial domination and the experiences of the Black Atlantic. He reminded us that before the Middle Passage Africa possessed rich and diverse musical and spiritual traditions. Despite the devastating attempts to suppress these traditions, elements survived through rhythm, call and response, and the use of the body as an instrument of worship.

He also explored the development of preaching in the Hush Harbours, where enslaved Africans gathered to worship, and how Black worship became a form of encoded resistance against injustice and oppression. His demonstration of different interpretations of the hymn Higher Ground, including a gospel rendition, brought this history to life and sparked meaningful discussion.

Wednesday's programme brought the celebration into our college community through music, student contributions and Afro-Caribbean cuisine. Our talented students led a vibrant gospel music segment, while an intimate experience featured special music, including a song written by our own student and alumnus Wayne Smikle and Adam Best. We also enjoyed refreshments and food prepared by our college chef, Poonchai.

An important part of the week was creating space for Black students to share their experiences and testimonies during the Experience programme. We explored what we love about Black expressions of worship, experiences of discrimination within church communities, and how we can break down racial divisions to worship together.

We concluded on Friday with a well-attended vespers service, welcoming students, staff and members of the wider community. With guest musicians, contributions from creatives, fellowship and a quiz, the evening culminated in a powerful message from Pastor Warren Gillin, drawing from Exodus 1:8–17. His challenge was simple but profound: fearing God must translate into action. Reflecting on the Hebrew midwives who resisted Pharaoh's unjust policies, he challenged us to consider whether we are willing to confront injustice within our own spheres of influence. As he reminded us, evil persists when good people remain silent. His message came alive when he shared a personal testimony of standing up against racial injustice at his previous university while being a student.

A special thank you to Dr Gifford Rhamie and Pastor Warren Gillin for their contributions, and to Danilo Puskas, Jemaule Gardner and Wayne Smilke for their involvement in planning. We are also grateful to Principal Dr Dan Serb, our lecturers, staff, students, musicians and creatives who supported the week.

Ultimately, “Let's Have Church” was about more than celebrating how we worship; it was about understanding why, recognising the history behind our expressions of faith and challenging ourselves to build a more inclusive church.

Article written by Kuga Gonese, a third-year BA Biblical and Pastoral Studies student and lead organiser of Black History Week at Newbold College.