VisualGPS Creative Trends Culture How Brands Can Visualise Black British Belonging

The 2026 official theme for Black History Month in the UK is “Honouring Our Communities”, ¹ putting a spotlight on the people and relationships that shape Black communities across Britain. For brands, there is an opportunity to tell richer stories about Black British communities, given 5 in 10 Britons now believe companies should authentically represent different communities in their visual communications. 

Impactful visual storytelling means going beyond visibility to show Black men and women actively participating, contributing and connecting. By reflecting a wider range of roles and work relationships, brands can create more authentic and meaningful representations of Black British life. For example, beyond simply showing Black talent within workplace settings, representation can also mean seeing leadership and influence in action, such as leading conversations, mentoring colleagues, exchanging expertise and building businesses. The 2026 Parker Review found that 98 of the FTSE 100 now have at least one ethnic‑minority director, with ethnic‑minority leaders occupying 20% of board positions within UK businesses.²

Getty Images' VisualGPS research reveals that visuals popular with Getty Images UK customers showing Black individuals participating in the workplace increased 2.9 times over five years. However, the depiction of Black professionals talking, collaborating, learning and spending time together means shifting the visual focus from showing mere presence to showing active belonging. The visual cues are often subtle: Eye contact, expressive gestures, people leaning towards each other or gathering around a shared task.

Growing visibility is only part of the picture. Research from UK broadcaster Channel 4 found that while 62% of people had noticed brands placing more emphasis on inclusion and diversity, half still believed more needed to be done to make advertising truly representative of different groups in the UK.³ So, when it comes to showing an expanded range of experiences associated with Black British life, consider the everyday and the exceptional. Alongside leadership, professional success, sport and cultural celebration, there is room to show friendship, family routines, leisure, hobbies, caregiving, entrepreneurship, rest and moments of connection. Environments can broaden too, from homes, parks, high streets, cafés and community spaces.

Expanding these visual narratives can help portray Black people as multidimensional individuals, reflecting not only what they achieve but how they live, connect and belong and for Black British representation, that distinction matters. Community isn't simply created by placing several diverse people within the same frame. Brands can explore the gestures, relationships and nuances that make belonging visible from intergenerational conversations and friendships to neighbours, colleagues and families sharing ordinary moments.

Sources
[1] BHM
[2] Parker Review
[3] Mirror On The Industry