Black History Month events
During October, the University will be offering the opportunity to recognise and celebrate Black History Month through 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 our Bicentenary year to acknowledge our past, present and future. On offer are 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
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.
- Book your place (Open to the public)
Wednesday, 9 October
Brunch and Learn: BHM and data at the University of Manchester, 11:00 to 12 noon (Online via Zoom)
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Lead Data Analyst Sami Karamalla-Gaiballa will be offering an interactive session for staff that will look at data of Univesity of Manchester Black and 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.
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.
- Book your place (Open to the public)
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.
- Book your place (Open to the public)
Saturday, 26 October
Meet The Changemakers : Black History Month (Black Environmentalists) at Manchester Museum, 12 to 4pm
An afternoon of climate-themed activities, workshops and family fun led by local Black-led organisations to mark Black History Month.
- Book your place (Open to the public)
Wednesday, 30 October
Cottonopolis
10:00 to 11:00am, Room 6.207, University Place
Discussion with reference to the ongoing research around 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. Speakers include Professor Nalin Thakker (Vice-President for Social Responsibility), Dr Natalie Zacek (Senior Lecturer in Colonial America. Research interests in slavery, race, gender, and material culture), Keisha Thompson FRSA is 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.
- Book your place (Open to the public)
Black History Month, The Bicentenary and Beyond
Booth Street East TH B (G.03), Manchester, 12:00 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 including the Bicentenary and beyond, the Race Equality Charter, inclusive environments, and legacies. With speakers Professor Dawn Edge (Chair),Professor Duncan Ivison, Dr Omolade Allen, and Professors Paul Mativenga.
- Book your place (Open to the public)
Wednesday, 13 November
Our histories, our stories at University Place_3.204, 2pm to 3pm
An opportunity to hear the works of University 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.
- Book your place (Open to the public)
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