What are NUSU doing to celebrate Black History Month this year?
For the last 34 years, Black History Month has been celebrated every October to honour the contributions of the black community to society within the UK. Following the Black Lives Matter protests that took place in 2020, Black History Month this year has more recognition than before, showing the ongoing commitment to combatting systemic racism in the UK.
From 19 October to 4 November, the SU will be holding various activities to promote opportunities for the black community as well as providing the chance for everyone to learn something new about the black experience and notable black figures.
19th October
- Find out your Blood Type on Campus (11:00-16:00)- An NHS van will come to Kings Way from 11:00 to 16:00 so you can find out your blood type.
- “Claiming your Space” Launch Night with Honey Williams (18:00-20:00)- At the NUSU building level 1, you will have the chance to mingle, network and listen to a talk by artist Honey Williams.
22nd October
- “Our Black History” Launch Party Night (17:00-21:00)- At the Blue Stretch Tent opposite the NUSU building, a launch party will be held with food, artwork and live performances.
24th October
- “Being Actively Anti-Racist” Video Launch- From today, a video series will become available to students, confronting them with their approaches and reactions to anti-racist campaigns.
25th October
- Black Mental Health Workshop with Dr Yvette Arthur (17:00-21:00)- This zoom workshop with psychologist Dr Yvette Arthur will help you to examine the mental health of our black community as well as our own.
- October Book Club Discussion ‘The Colour Purple’ with the Book Club Society (19:00-22:00)- Join the Book Club Society at the Journey Café Bar to discuss Alice Walker’s book ‘The Colour Purple’.
27th October
- Black Coffee Meet in Luther’s Bar (8:00- 11:00)- At the Luther’s Bar, black students (undergraduate and postgraduate) can meet each other for some causal networking and get to know each other.
2nd November
- Decolonising NCL X BHM Panel Discussion (12:00-13:00)- At the Blue Stretch Tent, a panel will discuss ways in which we as a community can diversify the curriculum. For those that cannot attend the session in person, NUTV will stream the event live.
3rd November
- Forum: BAME Representation and Diversifying Student Media (18:00-19:00)- At the Daniel Woods Lounge, you can join a discussion to help improve diversity within Student Media to ensure that all students, regardless of their race, can have a voice.
4th November
- “Our Black History” Closing Festival on Campus (11:00-16:00)- To wrap up our Black History Month celebrations, come to campus for a showcase of Black Culture ranging from food by many local restaurants to music featuring DJ Samira, DJ Awkward Black Girl, Ladies of the Midnight Blue and many more!
Over the course of Black History Month, there will be many events for everyone to partake in, whether it be to immerse yourself in the culture of the different members of the black community or to simply educate yourself on pressing matters related to anti-racist activism. The celebration of Black Culture does not just stop at the end of Black History Month. Whilst it does shine a light on the achievements of black people, Newcastle's celebration of black culture goes beyond October. Whether you continue to follow anti-racism campaigns or support the work and arts of black people, there are many ways to get involved this month.
If you would like more information on the upcoming events, please take a look at the NUSU website for more specific details.
Finally, Happy Black History Month to everyone, especially the black community here at Newcastle University.