Black History Month 2019
Posted on 26 September 2019
Black History Month in the UK is in its 32nd year and is celebrated and recognised across the country in schools, city centres, cinema, festivals and more.
Here at the University, we're hosting a variety of events across campus to celebrate Black contributions to British society, and to foster an understanding of Black History in general.
In addition to the celebratory aspects, the month presents an engaging space of mutual reflection on the achievements and innovative contributions to the social, political and cultural development of the United Kingdom.
What's on?
Student multicultural welcome event
Monday 7 October 1.30pm - 2.30pm
Ron Cooke Hub Atrium
This is a student only event with free refreshments, a showcase of some of York's international and cultural societies, an opportunity to meet your BAME officers and GSA officers, and the chance to learn about a range of opportunities from student networks to paid opportunities. There no need to book, but please register your interest to help us gauge numbers of catering.
Suffering, Struggle, Survival: The Fight for Freedom of the Anna Murray-Frederick Douglass Family (1818-2018)
Tuesday 8 October 6.30pm
In this talk which is open to all Celeste-Marie will trace the life and works of Frederick Douglass, an African American freedom-fighter, philosopher, intellectual, statesman, orator and writer who travelled widely in the UK during his antislavery campaigns, not in isolation but alongside the sufferings and struggles for survival of his wife, daughters and sons: Anna Murray, Rosetta, Lewis Henry, Frederick Jr., Charles Remond and Annie Douglass. Find out more and book your place.
Black History Month: a Medical School perspective
Wednesday 16 October 12 noon - 1pm
Psychology Lecture Room PS/A/202
This Hull York Medical School event is open to staff and students. Professor Peter Bazira, Professor of Clinical Anatomy and Medical Education, and Tito Olaniyan, Undergraduate Medicine Student, will discuss their experiences as black clinician and student, and explain the significance of BHM to them. Please email communications@hyms.ac.uk to register your interest.
A public secret: skin colour discrimination in colonial and independent Jamaica
Tuesday 22 October 6.30pm
Henrice Altink will draw upon examples from, amongst others, the labour market, education, and the judicial system, to show that colourism, which has its origins in slavery, has continued to be a key feature of Jamaican society since it gained independence in 1962. Find out more and book your place.
Re-envisioning Resistance & Representation in Black/Working Class Lesbian Feminist US Literature (1978-1992)
Wednesday 23 October 4.30pm
Berrick Saul Building Treehouse
RM Lewis will offer a reading of black/working class, lesbian feminist texts that will explore biomythography as a political and theoretical framework- led by and for minoritised and marginalised people-to strategise collectively in the struggle for social and environmental justice. This event is open to both staff and students. Find out more.
Let's talk about race
Thursday 24 October 5.30pm
Hosted by the Staff Race Equality Forum, this lecture is given by Kevin Hylton, the first black Professor in over 75 years of Carnegie history. Find out more and book your ticket.
Zong Massacre Performance and Workshop Event
Wednesday 30 October 12 noon
Ron Cooke Hub/037
To mark Black History Month, York Law School are hosting a performance and workshop with staff and students, performing sections of the Zong massacre and discussing its legacy and resonances today. The event includes a free lunch - please complete the form to register.
Start the conversation: Decolonising and diversifying curriculum at York
Wednesday 30 October 1pm
Hosted by YUSU student groups and GSA, this event is open to all. It will be an opportunity for students and staff to engage with the debate around decolonising and diversifying the curriculum in Higher Education. If you've ever wondered why your curriculum is dominated by white, Western, male and straight authors, why there is a lack of diversity among staff and students at York, or why attainment is lower for BAME students than their white counterparts, this event is for you. Find out more and book your ticket.
Find out more
There are Black History Month events taking place across the country: