Brilliant and BAME

09 Oct 2018

Our first University-wide Black History Month Event was held on Wednesday, 3 October

For more than 30 years, Black History Month has been a fixture in Britain’s cultural calendar, celebrated every October in schools, universities and at a vast array of events across the country. 

The first University-wide event for Black History Month, ‘Brilliant and BAME’, highlighted the steps the University is taking towards race equality through a buzzing showcase and exhibition.

Outside, the smell of Asian and Caribbean street food filled the air around a marquee that housed information stands hosted by staff and student network groups. 

The John Rylands Library brought along interesting artefacts relating to BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) communities in Britain. Local artist, Akinyemi, exhibited a series of thought provoking, abstract paintings and the lively music of Jamaican singer Don Hartley, and Jali Nyonkoling Kuyateh gave the event a true celebratory atmosphere.

Later, staff and students from across the University took the floor to voice their thoughts on equality, diversity and inclusion. 

Dr Hema Radhakrishnan, Reader in Optometry said: “I was brought up in a culture where I was told to whisper not talk; so I yelled.”

To close the afternoon, internationally-acclaimed Manchester-born poet and writer SuAndi delivered a keynote speech featuring her poetry and her thoughts on being BAME in Britain:

“I don’t rant or rave about racism. My inner skill is the Scouse humour - hard hitting and in your face.  I don’t attempt to rap. I am not a pseudo African-American - I am Black British.”