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Black History Month 2022: Why it matters and how to get involved

The annual (BHM) starts tomorrow and the theme for this year is: Time for change – Action not words. Our community is proud to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black heritage and culture, while understanding the need for continued action and representation of Black history throughout the year.

Why BHM matters
BHM provides us with an opportunity to recognise the contributions of our whole community and Black figures – both past and present – who have gone unnoticed for their contribution in society. It is a chance to share our lived experiences of the effects of racism and discrimination we face, and come together to make a change in making our university a proud, vibrant and successful place to work and study.

This BHM, third-year medical student, Divas Mappa-Happy, reflects on what it was first like joining our community:

“As a Black British female from the Midlands, I was sometimes conscious of how I looked and how I would be perceived. I joined the , where I felt a sense of community, and participated in the Awarding Gap Project to help improve the experience of my fellow Black students.”

Divas continues to share a personal account of why BHM matters: 鈥淏HM is dedicated to celebrating Black excellence, figures and success, but it is also a time for reflection where we bring light to the struggles we have faced as a community, from George Floyd to Chris Kaba and many more who will not be forgotten. It is a month dedicated to our voices, the voices that were not heard for so long.鈥

Nadia Thondrayen – member of the – is the Exhibitions Curator for the which seeks to highlight Black artistic achievement throughout the year. Nadia adds:

“It is important to support Black history and BHM so that we can continue to understand the past, which in turn is vital for understanding the present. BHM is a platform to highlight Black achievement, moving beyond the restrictions and stereotypes of racism. As a community we need to advocate for a society based on equity and social justice, and BHM is a chance for us to try to reset the balance scales.”

Events in the community
Learn about Black history, heritage, culture and achievements through various events and resources this BHM so we can create an inclusive community together. Here are some events taking place on Highfield Campus, in Southampton City and online.

Events for all

  • The World According to Raj
    Thursday 6 October, 12.30鈥13:30
    Live stream on Microsoft Teams
    Chief Superintendent of Hampshire Constabulary, Raj Kohli, shares his thoughts on positive action, positive discrimination, unconscious bias, institutional racism, and provides ideas on how to understand and address those challenges. .
  • BLACK: The Graphic Novel exhibition
    Wednesday 28 September to Saturday 5 November
    John Hansard Gallery, Mezzanine Gallery
    For BHM, John Hansard Gallery will feature BLACK 鈥 the autobiographical story of Tobias Taitt, a child raised in social care in 1970s and 1980s Britain. 福利着片ing a life outside the institutions that held him, Tobias began a descent into a life of crime, while simultaneously developing a love for literature.
  • Oral Histories: Spoken word evening
    Thursday 27 October, from 18:30
    October Books, Portswood, SO17 2NF
    An evening of spoken word with a focus on oral history and storytelling, delivered in collaboration with the Awarding Gap Project. .

Student events

  • Black Heritage in Business
    Tuesday 18 October, 17:00鈥20:00
    Online careers event available on MyCareer
    Facetime with current placement students and employers, hear inspiring stories from Black female leaders, and attend skills sessions with recruitment teams. .
  • Black Girl Detox with Toluwa Atilade
    Wednesday 19 October, 16:00鈥18:00
    Building 100 (Centenary Building), Room 7011, Highfield Campus
    An interactive workshop for young Black women and their allies, which facilitates conversations around important topics such as misogynoir and stereotypes. .
  • BLACK: The Graphic Novel exhibition with Tobias Taitt and Don John
    Wednesday 26 October 18:00鈥19:30
    Screening room, John Hansard Gallery, SO14 7DU
    In this special student-only viewing, you will be able to view the exhibition before the opportunity to engage in discussion with Tobias Taitt and Don John. .
  • Black Men Talk with Alex Holmes
    Friday 18 November, 15:00鈥17:00
    Online event on Zoom
    An opportunity for Black male students to critique current issues and discuss topics that are relevant to them in a safe space. .

Staff events

  • Safe listening spaces 鈥 Let’s Talk About Race
    Monday 17 October and Wednesday 23 November
    鈥嬧嬧嬧嬧嬧嬧婭f you want to be heard and help shape a different course of action, join one of the facilitated by the UoS REACH Staff Network and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team.

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Tools, sites and other resources

  • Race at Work – Bitesize learning on Blackboard for staff
    With examples of people鈥檚 lived experiences of racial bias and practical tips to support learning. .
  • Report and Support for staff and students is the University鈥檚 reporting tool for any acts of discrimination, harassment or hate, including .

Stay up to date with what is going on in our communities throughout the year

 
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