Bristol Black History Month

Project Summary

We’re empowering Bristol’s Black communities by showcasing the accomplishments of Bristol’s Black African and Caribbean Diaspora communities.

The Bristol Black History Month Magazine is a vital publication dedicated to showcasing the past, present, and future realities of Bristol’s Black African and Caribbean Diaspora communities. This project aims to create an inclusive and reflective magazine on a limited budget, which increases community engagement and addresses systemic disparities in media representation.

The Challenge

This project sought to address the significant underrepresentation of Bristol’s Black African and Caribbean communities in mainstream media, leading to a lack of visibility, engagement, and consistent funding.

Mainstream media outlets in Bristol did not adequately represent the city’s Black communities, leading to a lack of awareness about their contributions and issues they commonly face. This lack of representation created an engagement gap, hindering these communities from participating in broader societal opportunities and dialogues. Inconsistent funding, a lack of community trust, and limited staffing capacity have heightened the challenges faced by minority-owned media.

Feedback and Testimonials

Community members and contributors expressed strong appreciation for the magazine’s impact on representation, community engagement, and providing a platform for authentic storytelling.

“
The Bristol Black History Month Magazine has been a beacon of representation for our community. It’s inspiring to see our stories and contributions acknowledged and celebrated.
Aisha ThompsonRepresentation Matters

“
As a freelancer, working with the magazine has allowed me to share stories that matter. It's more than a publication; it's a movement towards recognition and equality.
David OseiFreelance Writer

“
It's such a beautiful, powerful and well-done magazine! Thank you for creating this
Hana Seif El NasrCommunity Member

Our Solution

Cognitive Paths developed and implemented a multifaceted strategy focused on community-driven content creation, strategic partnerships, and expanded distribution.

This solution involved commissioning 24 local freelancers, fundraising to ensure sustainability, producing six themed magazine editions, and expanding distribution both in print and online. Our approach aimed to create an authentic and impactful platform for community voices.

Results & Impact

The Bristol Black History Month Magazine significantly amplified the voices and visibility of Bristol’s Black African and Caribbean communities, fostering community engagement and supporting local businesses.

Cognitive Paths recruited 17 interns/work placement students

commissioned freelancers

achieved a 32K online audience reach

So far we have produced six publications, supported 54 ethnic minority businesses, and raised over £20,000. These results demonstrate a substantial positive impact on the Bristol community.

Learn more about our community impact through our yearlong Black History Month initiatives →

Future Outlook

The Bristol Black History Month Magazine aims to deepen its community impact and expand its reach.

Plans include incorporating multimedia content like podcasts and videos, partnering with schools to promote Black history education, and continuing to support local freelancers and businesses. This focus on diverse content, intergenerational engagement, and economic empowerment will solidify the magazine’s role as a vital community resource for years to come.

Case Study:

PlaceMaking for Inclusive Neighbourhoods

PlaceMaking