Friday 29-09-2023 - 14:17

 

Each year, October marks the start of Black History Month (BHM) in the UK.

 

This year, we are commemorating the month by collating a diverse programme of events led by our fantastic student leaders, groups and societies. Through talks, film screenings and celebrations, we will focus on learning about various aspects of Black history from the UK while celebrating our community at Lancaster and its vibrant cultural scene.

This year’s national Black History Month campaign is themed on Saluting our Sisters highlighting the crucial role that black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change and building communities. We look forward to welcoming Glenda Andrews MBE, a born and bred Prestonian from down the road, Windrush campaigner and community volunteer. 

 

We are also particularly thankful to be working with the African & Caribbean Society (ACS) who will be hosting two major celebrations throughout the month, including a society takeover at the Sugarhouse. ACS told us that "For the ACS community, BHM is of upmost importance as it serves as a special occaion to recognise and appreciate the contributions, efforts and accomplishments that black people throughout time have made. During this time, our community comes together to appreciate the black culture and its contributions to our society from arts, politics, sports and those alike. As we work to build a more welcoming and fair society within the ACS community and beyond, BHM is a moment of reflection, learning and cooperation."

Josh, Vice President Welfare and lead Full Time Officer for liberation, said that "Black History Month is a time for all of us to celebrate Black people, culture and history! I am so proud to work alongside our Racial & Ethnic Minorities Officer, the ACS and other student groups to deliver a great BHM schedule! While we celebrate culture and identity, we must recognise the barriers that still exist in society and in the University itself to the Black community. This starts with recognising the lack of Black people in leadership in our own Students' Union. These conversations are important, alongside active learning, as we continue to contribute to the Race Equality Charter and at the anti-racism agenda. Without powerful Black voices at every level, we cannot fully represent our student community. This BHM and beyond, let's celebrate, uplift, and empower more than ever and continue to be active allies."

 

See here for the full programme of events:

 

 

• Wednesday 4th October: ACS We Outside at Mint
• Friday 13th – Monday 16th October, 19:15pm: Take2 Cinema screening of The Blackening each day
• Friday 20th October: ACS Sugarhouse Takeover, more information to follow
• Tuesday 24th October: In Conversation with Glenda Andrews MBE on her Experience of the Windrush Generation hosted by LUSU Vice President Welfare