“We Cannot Walk Alone”. Martin Luther King Jr

Hello

In this week’s blog, I thought I would build on last week’s theme. We highlighted the origins of Black History Month with a post from Professor Neil Wynn. It’s important to set out the context for events like Black History Month. It is easy to forget, or perhaps never know, how, or why occasions came to be marked; to jump to conclusions, or make assumptions based on the current situation. Understanding the influences of the time and place in which Black History Month was first marked, helps with its appreciation today. Black History Month continues to provide an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the black community.

Lord Ouseley commented that, “Black History Month is essential in promoting learning, providing information and contributing to community cohesion. For the past 30 years it has shone, and continues to shine, a beacon of light on the facts about black history, heritage, legacy and the on-going struggles for equality and justice”.

Taken from Black History Month.org.uk

Last week’s blog was originally posted in 2014. I thought it would be useful to highlight the activities taking place across Gloucestershire in October 2018.

Our Student Union, through its Education Officer, Maisie Jerrim, has organised and compiled a number of activities. It’s the first time the SU has marked Black History Month, and it’s been great to work together. There will be pop up stalls at each of our campuses w/c 8^th October and a cocktail, mocktail and movie night on 19^th October. Maisie has also arranged a celebration through food with Baxter Storey, our external catering company.

We have two guest presenters as part of our public lecture series: Louisa Adjoa Parker is discussing “What does it mean to be black and British in 2018” on 24^th October. On 19^th October, in partnership with the Historical Association, our Oxstalls Campus is hosting a talk by Dr Charles Gore on “The Benin Empire Art and History”.

You can get all the latest information and news on activities via her Twitter @yoursued.

Every year the University collaborates with a local community organisation, Lives of Colour, and 2018 is no exception. The Organisation’s aim is “to include all voices in our communities by celebrating achievements, sharing experience and expertise to enable us to build the infrastructure for an inclusive and resilient society”. They have arranged a wide variety of activities across the county. You can find their full programme here.

Why not get involved, go check something out a little different. If you do, let us know how you got on. We’d love to hear from you. You can comment via the blog or our Twitter @UoGEquality.