In celebration of Black History Month 2025, under the theme “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” we are calling on the community to share the untold stories of Black soldiers who served with unparalleled courage and patriotism during the First and Second World Wars.
We invite you to submit letters written by Black soldiers to their loved ones during these wars, to be considered for publication in Black History Month Magazine and featured during Black History Month 2025.
These letters offer a rare and intimate glimpse into the emotional lives of soldiers who answered the call of duty, leaving behind their families to fight for a better future. They reflect the strength, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to both family and country. These personal correspondences showcase the bond between soldiers and their loved ones and the sacrifices made in the name of patriotism during some of the darkest times in history.
Why Your Letter Matters
The voices of Black soldiers have often been overlooked in mainstream wartime narratives. Their service, their sacrifices, and their contributions to victory have long been underrepresented. By submitting your family’s letters, you are helping to ensure that their stories are not only preserved but celebrated. These letters will provide insight into the emotional sacrifices made by soldiers who fought for their countries, often facing discrimination and hardship at home, yet serving with unparalleled courage abroad.
This initiative is a call to preserve the legacy of Black soldiers’ patriotism, highlighting their emotional strength and the deep love they carried for their families while they served. By sharing these letters, you are helping to create a richer and more complete historical record, honouring those who served and sacrificed in the pursuit of freedom, equality, and justice.
What We’re Looking For
We invite descendants of Black soldiers to submit any letters home that have been passed down through the generations. Whether these letters were written by soldiers to their families or by family members to soldiers, they represent the heart and soul of the wartime experience.
Specifically, we are looking for:
- Letters written by Black soldiers during the First or Second World Wars to their families or loved ones
- Letters from family members to Black soldiers offering love, support, and words of encouragement
- Photographs, documents, or mementos that provide additional context and meaning to the letters
- Stories of sacrifice, patriotism, and emotional resilience during wartime
Some of the submitted letters may be selected for publication in Black History Month Magazine during Black History Month 2025. These powerful letters will help tell a fuller, more inclusive story of Black soldiers’ service, sacrifice, and patriotism.
How to Submit Your Letter
Submitting your letters is simple:
- Scan or photograph the letter and any accompanying items (such as photographs or documents).
- Send them via email to editor@blackhistorymonth.org.uk.
- If you need any assistance or have any questions about submitting your letters, don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we are happy to help.
Please submit your letters and accompanying materials by July 30th 2025 to be considered for publication in Black History Month Magazine. Each contribution will be accompanied by a brief note providing context about the letter and its significance.
By contributing to this project, you are helping to preserve the extraordinary stories of Black soldiers and their families—stories that embody service, sacrifice, and patriotism. These letters will not only pay tribute to the emotional bonds between soldiers and their families but will also honour the power, pride, and patriotism of the Black community. Your submission will ensure that these untold stories are celebrated, remembered, and passed down for future generations.
Join us in ensuring that the legacy of Black soldiers—whose service and sacrifices shaped history—are honoured during Black History Month 2025.