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This October, we celebrate Black History Month (BHM). This year's theme,Ìý"Reclaiming Narratives",Ìýfocuses on correcting inaccuracies and amplifying untold black stories. While this effort should extend beyond just one month, BHM 2024ÌýprovidesÌýa unique opportunity for organisations to unite, celebrate black voices, explore the challenges faced by blackÌýpeople, and consider how we can address these challenges together.Ìý

We are focusing on three objectives for Black History Month 2024 at BU:

1. Celebrating contributionsÌýand promoting understandingÌý
2. Inspiring changeÌý
3. Encouraging education and reflection.

For each of these themes, we have selected some things you can do to get involved, including events, podcasts to listen to and even how to be part of our Race Equality Charter Self-Assessment Team (REC-SAT).Ìý

1.ÌýCelebrating contributionsÌýand promoting understanding

Black History Month highlights the significant contributions of black individuals who have shaped the UK’s history, culture, and society, celebrating achievements that often go unrecognised.ÌýEngaging with black history deepens our understanding of diverse experiences, challenges stereotypes, and fosters a more inclusive andÌýequitableÌýenvironment.Ìý

Black History Month CulturalÌýCelebrationÌý
Thursday 17 October 2024, 6-8pmÌý
Hosted byÌýSister TamaÌýwith Community Action Network, BCP Council and the NHS,ÌýtheÌýevent will feature live music, artÌýexhibition and stalls from local community groups.ÌýÌý

Journeys of Excellence: Insights from Black AlumniÌý
Wednesday 30 October 2024,Ìý1:30-2:30pmÌý
We will be holding a panel event open to allÌýstudents and staff to attend. Listen to the journeys, stories, and lived experiences of a select panel of our alumni. This event providesÌýan opportunity for learning, inspiration, and reflection.ÌýThe panel isÌýa collaborationÌýbetween the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) team,ÌýFundraising &ÌýAlumni Relations team, and the Race Equality Staff Network.ÌýÌý

SUBU Black History Month events
Your Students' Union has been working with your Black Students' Officer and the Carribean Society, Society of Nigerian Students and Full-Time Officers to put together a to celebrate and highlight the Black community at BU and locally. You can also visit the to find out about the ways you can beÌýan ally during Black History Month, and throughout the rest of the year.

2.ÌýInspiring change

Reflecting on the past helps us address ongoing issues like racial inequality and social injustice, reaffirming our commitment to a future where everyone’s contributions are valued.Ìý

Race Equality Charter
BU joinedÌýAdvanceHE’sÌýÌýinÌý2016 and received the bronze award in July 2023. The REC aims to improve the representation, experience, and success of minority ethnic students and staff in higher education.ÌýWe believe that BU can only reach its full potential when all members of our community, regardless of ethnic background, have equal access to opportunities.ÌýWe adopted the Race Equality self-assessment framework as a rigorous and transparent means of understanding and progressing race equality across the university.ÌýAs part of this process, a comprehensive Race Equality Action Plan has been developed. Responsibility for the actions is shared across the University, ensuring a coordinated approach to understanding and addressing issues.

We invite students and staff to join the Race Equality Charter Self Assessment team (REC-SAT), which meets quarterly to advance race equality efforts. If you're interested, please contactÌýProfessor Gelareh RoushanÌýfor more details.Ìý

Culture Corner with Elaine and GloriaÌý- a podcast exploring cultural topics within the BU community
Listen toÌýÌýaboutÌýthe progress of the Race Equality Charter action plan and the Race Equality Network, orÌýÌýabout the Inclusive Curriculum Evaluation (ICE) project, its origins, and its impact on addressing inequalities and enhancing curriculum inclusivity. The podcast highlights the crucial role of student involvement in the project and its benefits for both BU and the students.Ìý

3.ÌýEncouraging education and reflection

Black History Month is a chance to educate and reflect on how we can actively support inclusivity and diversity in our community.Ìý

There are many barriers to achieving race equity, including a lack of understanding of whatÌýit’sÌýlike to walk in others’ shoes and how to create inclusive environments.ÌýSmall changesÌýin behaviour can lead to powerful, long-lasting change. If everyone contributes to making small positive changes, we can collectively create a more inclusive and fairÌýenvironment.Ìý

#ItsNotMicro
We’reÌýresharing theÌýÌýfromÌý. This includes the powerful short filmÌý"AllÌýTheÌýLittle Things"Ìý(3:28), written and directed by MeenaÌýAyittey. The film follows Adae, a young black creative working in an ad agency, as microaggressions gradually undermine his sense of belonging. The filmÌýdemonstratesÌýhow small actions can have a profound impact on how others feel and function.ÌýÌý

Further readingÌýÌý

If you would like to learn more aboutÌýthe issues, history, and discussion around Black History Month, as well as broader issues around race, BU library has curated anÌý.Ìý