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Black History Month

25 Sep 2024

Events and activities coming up this October

Black History Month 2024

This October, colleagues across the University will have the opportunity to recognise and celebrate Black History Month at a variety of events. 

Black History month is an annual celebration of the achievements made by Black people. Established in 1970 in the United States,  Black History month has been celebrated in October the United Kingdom since 1987. It allows time and space to appreciate and recognise the positive contributions that Black people have made to British Society and internationally.  

The theme this year is Reclaiming Narratives which serves as an invitation for us this Bicentenary year to acknowledge our past, present and future.  Join us for a series of thought-provoking and insightful events as we learn more and honour the significant contributions of Black people to the University, Manchester and across British history, society and culture.      

Omolade Allen, Lecturer in Global Health Research said:'Black History Month 2025 offers us another opportunity to acknowledge the historical challenges Black people have faced, while also celebrating our power and resilience. As we look towards the future, we need to push forward the principles of equity and inclusivity, thus ensuring that we own our stories and narratives.'

Events

Wednesday, 2 October

Reimagining Black History Month at Manchester Central Library Performance Space, 5.15pm to 7.30pm

The Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre and Education Trust are hosting a thought-provoking discussion on the future of Black History Month, how to acknowledge and celebrate Black histories year-round and unveiling their Black Histories manifesto. Join award-winning author, broadcaster and Professor of Sociology, Gary Younge, and young leaders from the youth-led organisation 8% Club, to discuss the future of Black History Month. 

Thursday, 3 October

Barbara Walker: Being Here at The Whitworth Art Gallery, 6pm to 8pm (Autumn preview - will run until 26 January 2025)

This major exhibition will bring together over 70 works spanning Walker’s career from the 1990s to today, including her Turner Prize nominated portrait series Burden of Proof (2022-23) and rarely seen drawings. The display will include a new commission focusing on the Windrush generation and in response to the Whitworth’s collection of historic drawings and wallpaper.

We will be holding a special exhibition preview evening to mark Barbara Walker's show opening and the Whitworth's autumn programme. 

This event is free for staff/students/everyone, but we do ask that people purchase tickets for this via Eventbrite.

Wednesday, 9 October

Brunch and Learn: BHM and data at the University of Manchester, 11am to 12noon (Online via Zoom)  

Join EDI Lead Data Analyst Sami Karamalla-Gaiballa for an interactive session which will look at data of UoM Black ad Mixed heritage colleagues and students as part of BHM, to provide a better understanding of the diversity of our staff and student community as well as how data informs our inclusivity initiatives at The University. 

Monday, 14 October

How are we addressing modern slavery at The University of Manchester? 12.00-12:45 (Online via Teams)

Join us to learn more about the current landscape of anti-slavery efforts and how we can contribute to meaningful change. The event will see Dr Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement interview Rosemary Broad, Professor of Criminology and Ian Jarvey, Interim Head of Procurement, on our activities to raise awareness on issues around modern slavery, through research, teaching, and engaging with our suppliers in our supply chains. 

Saturday, 19 October 

Children & Authors' Literary Fanfare at Manchester Museum, 10am to 4pm 

Join us for a fun-filled online celebration of children's literature and author highlights at The Children & Authors' Literary Fanfare 2024.

Wednesday, 23 October

Environmental Justice : Let’s Talk About Race - Can I Live? screening at Manchester Museum, 6pm to 9pm 

An evening of community conversation and solidarity building around Climate Justice. 

Saturday, 26 October

Meet The Changemakers: Black History Month (Black Environmentalists) at Manchester Museum, 12noon to 4pm 

An afternoon of climate-themed activities, workshops and family fun led by local Black led organisations to mark Black History Month.

Wednesday, 30 October

Cottonopolis at Room 6.207, University Place 10am to 11am

Join us for a discussion on the ongoing research of Manchester and the university being forever changed and benefitting from the legacy of cotton and the changes to industries, the economy, society, and ecology of the region.

We will also be joined by Keisha Thompson, who has recently been appointed as the Guardian’s Programme Manager for their Scott Trust Legacy of Enslavement restorative justice project.

Speakers include Professor Nalin Thakker (Vice-President for Social Responsibility), Dr Natalie Zacek (Senior Lecturer in Colonial America with research interests in slavery, race, gender, and material culture) and Keisha Thompson FRSA (a Manchester-based writer, performance artist and producer). Keisha is also the Programme Manager for The Guardian's Scott Trust Legacy of Enslavement restorative justice project and Co-Chair of the Independent Theatre Council. 

Wednesday, 30 October

Black History Month, The Bicentenary and Beyond at Lecture Theatre A, University Place, 12noon to 1pm 

As Black History Month comes to a close, this panel discussion reflects on the contributions of Black people to Manchester, the UK and what comes next. As we reflect on the Bicentenary, what lies ahead in terms of our community. Topics will take in the Race Equality Charter, inclusive teaching and learning environments, career development, student initiatives and legacies. 

Speakers include Professor Dawn Edge (Chair), Professor Duncan Ivison, Professor Jason Arday (Cambridge University), Dr Omolade Allen, Professor Adam Danquah, Professor Paul Mativenga and Ayoola Johnson (Access, Student Success, and Development Coordinator).

Wednesday, 13 November

Our histories, our stories at University Place_3.204, 2pm to 3pm

An opportunity to hear the works of colleagues and community writers about their lived experiences, covering grief and renewal, the confidence poem, Windrush and more. 

Contributors:  

Loraine Mckoy, Manchester-based author of "It is TIME" - A Transitional Journey from Grief to Renewal Through Faith, is a trained motivational coach and experienced within higher education. Loraine has supported colleagues at the University and been a co-chair of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Staff Network. 

Laverne Condappa-Ward is a children’s book author including the soon to be released ‘Confidence Poem.’ Laverne is also a champion for inclusivity and has worked in higher education and co-chaired the Black, Asian and Minority Staff Network at the University.  

Jackie Bailey is a life coach and creative practitioner. Jackie, founder of BEE You! Personal Development Ltd, is passionate about supporting people to embrace arts and literature. Jackie also promotes journalling as an effective means of development and wellbeing. Jackie is also a Manchester UNESCO City of Literature Community Champion. 

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