October is Black History Month and the city council, along with many Oxford organisations, will be putting the focus on the black community's contributions to British life.

The Museum of Oxford reopens on October 11 and exhibitions will include its permanent Windrush Years exhibits, giving an insight into the Caribbean community in Oxford since the 1950s.

And the council’s Youth Ambition team will use its regular youth clubs and activities to focus on cultural activities and conversations about the experience of young black people in Oxford.

The city’s Anti-Racism Charter will be reviewed at the end of October, one year on from its launch.

Oxford is one of the first cities to create such a charter, initiated by the city council and signed by a number of organisations, businesses, schools, community groups and members of the public.

During the month the council will be using its social media channels to highlight local stories, starting with Natty Mark Samuel’s African School.

Natty Mark provides some of the only non-university African Studies opportunities in the city, aimed at people from all backgrounds.

Councillor Shaista Aziz, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Communities, said: “Black history is British history and it’s also Oxford’s history too. This month is when across the county the contribution of Black Britons is celebrated and marked in detail, and Oxford City Council is proud to do the same.

"There are hundreds of families of African, North African and Caribbean heritage who are also Oxonians and part of Oxford and our communities – business owners, teachers, care workers parents, children, friends, the people we hold dear.

“If it’s enjoying eating out on the Cowley Road, going to hear live music, or watching a football match, the vast contribution of Oxford and Britain’s Black communities can be seen everywhere. Food, music, the arts and sport are very visible and vital to a country’s identity, as is the historical legacy of the Windrush generation who came to work in Oxford’s car factory, on our trains and buses, in healthcare and other areas where then, as now, we needed skilled workers.

"This generation built Britain and its infrastructure. Black history month is when we honour the people and communities who have shaped Oxford and Britain to be the city and country it is now.

"Alongside celebrating these huge achievements, we also stand in active solidarity calling for greater equalities and re commit ourselves to working towards creating a truly anti-racist city and county where all Black people can thrive and live with the same life opportunities and security as the rest of the population.”

For a listing of gigs and events or to delve into more Black history and culture, check out the Black History Month website.