Celebrate Black History Month with us

Every year in October, the UK celebrates Black History Month. This is a time to recognise the crucial contributions that black people have made to British society throughout history. This year, there is a spotlight focus on the countless extraordinary accomplishments of black women. Black women have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of our nation’s history with their courage, resilience, and innovation. Facing both sexism and racism as preliminary forms of prejudice means their contributions to British society and history have previously been overlooked and distorted. 

This month is an opportunity to explore and open conversations about race, dig deeper into Black British history and recognise the hard work and efforts of black women in a range of discourses and in varied aspects of public life. At the University during Black History Month, it's important to celebrate diversity, reflect on admirable achievements, and celebrate the strength and vital roles of black women in shaping our world.

Highlights include:

• Sancho & Me, Tuesday 10 October, 7:30-9:30pm at George Cadbury Hall, Selly Oak Campus: Watch the solo-performance and part-improvised play by Paterson Joseph. Built around his recent novel The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, the performance explores ideas of belonging, language, education, slavery, commerce, violence, threat, politics, music and love. Get your FREE tickets.
   
• 10,000 Black Interns Foundation Information Session, Wednesday 11 October, 12-2pm at G17 Lecture Room- Nuffield Building: Find out about how to apply for paid internships across finance, technology, advertising, and over 25 other sectors as a current student or recent graduate. Read more.
   
• Staying Power: Unity through community, Wednesday 11 October, 6:30-8:30pm at the Assembly Room in The Exchange, 3 Centenary Square, Birmingham: Learn about the HMT Empire Windrush migration and celebrate the valuable contributions made by the Windrush community. Watch the premier of the new film staying Power: Unity through Community which focuses on the Here to Stay photographic exhibition. Read more.
   
• Celebrating our Sisters: Supporting and sustaining Black Women in health & care research, Monday 16 October, 12-2pm online: Hear from key guest speakers to find out more about the support and resources available to shape a brighter future for black women. Read more and sign up.
   
• Celebrating Black British Women, Wednesday 18 October, 5pm, WG05, Aston Webb Building: Listen to Rebbecca Hemmings, director and founder of Strawberry Words LTD, as she discusses her life story and the challenges she faced on the journey. Book into the event.
   
• Sisters Who Slay, Monday 23 October, 4pm, online: Join Charity and Danielle, UoB PhD students, to discuss their journeys in Higher Education and academic. Sign up to come along.

Visit the Black History Month events page on the UoB website to see full listings.

Outside of the University, there’s lots happening around Birmingham. 
Birmingham Museums are organizing events, exhibitions and talks and the Black History Month website has a full list of what’s on throughout October and beyond.

Old Joe to light up from Monday 2 October

From Monday 2 October, Old Joe will light up in three symbolic colours over three nights in support and celebration of the start of Black History Month.

Why not share your Old Joe snaps with us by tagging our @UniBirmingham and @diversity_uob Instagram channels?

Blog: What Black History Month means to me? 

PhD student, Charity, has shared her experiences growing up in the United Kingdom as a black woman, explaining the significance of Black History Month in commemorating the valuable contributions of black people in British history. 

To read more, head over to her blog post.

Competition 

During Black History Month, the Library, in collaboration with the Student Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Team is giving away 30 copies of David Harewood's new book "Maybe I Don't Belong Here: A Memoir of Race, Identity, Breakdown and Recovery."