Black History Month 2024
Black History Month 2024: Reclaiming Narratives
This Black History Month we invite you to participate in a journey of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. We aim to shine a light on the untold stories and amplify the voices that have been historically marginalised.
The theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ is about taking control of stories, histories and experiences. By doing this we can challenge misconceptions, correct inaccuracies and highlighting the profound impact of Black individuals on society.
Throughout October 2024, we'll host a series of events that celebrate the richness of Black culture and history. Reclaiming our narratives is not just about looking back; it is about forging a path forward with pride and purpose.
Join us at an event and be part of a movement that honours the past whilst building a brighter and more inclusive future.
Welcome to Black History Month at Bath Spa University
Tuesday 1 October
Join our Vice Chancellor Sue Rigby and our Chancellor Sharanjit Leyl as they kick off Black History Month with a welcome message, and find out why Black History Month is important to them.
Paint and sip
Wednesday 2 October 4-6pm
Room 207, Locksbrook
Meet and mingle with other students who are celebrating Black History Month as you unleash your artistic side with some painting. No experience needed!
We'll also be offering a complementary drink (including non-alcoholic options).
Please note: This event is for Bath Spa University students who identify as black or mixed heritage.
Rafiki Film Screening
Tuesday 8 October 6pm
CM.G53, Newton Park
Celebrate Black History Month and International Lesbian Day simultaneously with a film screening of 'Rafiki'.
Join us at the Viewing Theatre in Commons on Tuesday 8th October between 6pm - 8pm.
Rafiki follows the story of two young women who fall in love in a society where their relationship is frowned upon. The themes include love, self-discovery, acceptance, and societal expectations. The film resonates with the struggles and triumphs of the Black Community, highlighting the resilience that is integral to Black history.
Open to students who identify as black or mixed heritage.
Please note: This event is only open to Bath Spa University students.
Guided tour of Fairfield House
Tuesday 15 October 4pm
Fairfield House, Bath
Explore the rich heritage and significance of Fairfield House. The house of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, King of Kings, Elect of God and Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
You will be taken around the house grounds by a volunteer from Fairfield House. Learn about the history and impact HIM Haile Selassie had on the City of Bath and in changing the narratives of Black History and identity.
Please note: This event is only open to Bath Spa University staff and students.
Mindful Book Club
Wednesday 16 October 4-5pm
LYG02, The Library, Newton Park
Find your favourite corner of the library and challenge yourself to learn more about race, racism and protest through our library collections. Pick your next good read from our Race, Racism and Protest Reading List and discover writers, artists, philosophers and others who reclaim narratives and amplify Black voices.
Exchange ideas about what you’ve read at this month’s Black History Month-themed Mindful Book Club. Relax, read, reflect, recommend, share, so the conversation can continue...
Refreshments provided. No booking required.
Emperor Haile Selassie Commemmoration
17 October, 2pm
Newton Park
On this day 70 years ago, Emperor Haile Selassie visited Newton Park Campus.
To commemorate his visit, the Emperor's great-granddaughter, Princess Esther, will be planting a tree near the lake.
We'll be joined by our partners from Fairfield House, the Emperor's home in Bath and students and staff are very welcome to join us.
Please meet outside Main House at 2.00pm and we'll walk together to the site of the event.
Hamilton: A discussion
Thursday 17 October 4-5.30pm
CM.121, Newton Park
What are your thoughts on Hamilton the Musical? What do you think about Lin-Manuel Miranda's decision to have a diverse cast play historically white figures?
Delve into a discussion about diversity and race in Hamilton, which is based on the real life of Alexander Hamilton. Whether you have strong feelings about Miranda's decision or not, join us as we engage in a thoughtful discussion with one another.
Please note: This event is for staff and students and staff at Bath Spa University.
Black History Month film screening at BSU London
Friday 18 October 1pm
Room D203 (Multi Purpose Room) Hoxton Street, London
Join us for a special screening to celebrate Black History Month and a chance to discover, reflect and connect!
Changing narratives of Bath's heritage
Thursday 17 October 6.30pm
Michael Tippett Centre, Newton Park
Join us as we host speakers from well-known institutions in Bath to take a deeper look at the hidden histories of Black people in Britain, hear new perspectives on stories you thought you knew and understand the work that is being carried out in decolonising our history.
Researching with disabled people of colour: A call to action
Monday 21 October 2-3pm
Online event
Welcome to Black History Month at Bath Spa University, where we are celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of Black communities under the theme ‘Reclaiming Narratives’
Please join the We Are The People team as we introduce our current research project, involving coproduced research with disabled people of colour in the South West.
We’ll be delving into the challenges of coproduction, exploring themes such as how we build trust and work compassionately with groups. Come along to our informal ideas sharing event, to see how you can get involved in shaping our research.
Empowering changing narratives: Black and Asian leadership in industry
Wednesday 23 October 2.30pm-4pm
CM.221, Newton Park
A collaboration between BSU Empowers and BSU Black History Month.
Confirmed speakers:
- Nitin Parmar MBA - Digital Transformation Consultant
- Melina Smith - Head Teacher and designated safeguarding lead Broomhill Junior School, Bristol
- Omari Cato - CEO Creative Power Town
- Charlene Price - Senior Project Manager and Creative Producer Creative Power Town
- Dr Achila Amarasinghe - Course Director Bath Spa University London
- Ayesha Ali - Learning and Development Coordinator and EDI lead, Charcoalblue
- Raj Manek - Head of Property Acquisitions, Bills Restaurants
We believe in the power of storytelling — especially from those who have walked a path similar to ours. Hearing the experiences of individuals who have achieved remarkable things in both their personal and professional lives can be incredibly inspiring. These are people who are relatable, honest, and ready to share their journeys.
Join us for our networking and panel event, celebrating the successes of professionals who self-identify as being of African, Arab, Asian, or Caribbean heritage. Guest speakers will be announced in due course. Hear about their successes and feel inspired to develop in your own career journey.
The event will include networking opportunities and a panel discussion featuring speakers from diverse industries and professions. It'll also include an option for virtual attendance (though this will be for the panel part of the event only - online only tickets available separately). Complimentary refreshments will be provided.
Please note that the Empowers programme is a mentorship programme for students of Global Majority origin and the panel will be reflective of that.
Black History Month Food Festival @ BSUL
Friday 25 October 12.30pm
The Student Hub, Hoxton Street, London
Celebrate Black History Month with a Delicious Caribbean Lunch!
Take a break and indulge in mouthwatering Caribbean dishes from Leon’s Den Kitchen and savour the flavours of the Caribbean.
Check out the menu here.
Introduction to Amharic and the Ethiopian Alphabet
Begins Wednesday 23 October (for five weeks)
Wednesdays 6pm-7.30pm
Online
Learn about one of the diplomatic languages of Africa in this five-week course. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to understand the entire Ethiopian alphabet, read and write your own name, and understand and speak basic phrases in Amharic.
You’ll be taught by Beliyou, a native speaker of Amharic with a passion for the Ethiopian alphabet, grammar and poetry.
Joy Trail
Monday 28 October 12.15pm-1.15pm
Online
We are pleased to host Tanisha and Emma, the co-founders of Joy Trail who will be running an interactive workshop to explore how Black joy can be centred, cultivated and celebrated.
They invite you to engage in a series of reflective activities on both a personal and organisational level all with a focus on joy. Resources will be provided for you to create a ‘take-away’ resource to capture some of the tools and techniques which can be used to promote and harness the power of joy.
Tanisha and Emma are two local mothers and educators in Bristol. Tanisha is an experienced secondary school teacher, EDI consultant and mentor for minoritised students at the University of the West of England. Emma is an experienced primary school teacher, education consultant and works as a senior lecturer at the University of the West of England.
Please note: This event is for staff and students at Bath Spa University.
Let’s all go to Timbuktu!
Wednesday 30 October 2pm
Online event
Join Maria Petnga-Wallace on a trip to Mali with Mansa Musa in the 14th century to visit the flourishing trading centre for gold and salt, the Great Mosque and Sankore University.
Black History Month Book Displays
Every day throughout October 8am-10pm
The Library, Newton Park
Visit the Library throughout Black History Month and discover writers, artists, philosophers and others represented in our collections who have been instrumental in reclaiming narratives and amplifying Black voices.
Get started with resources featured on our Race, Racism and Protest Reading List and other material on display in the Library foyer to learn more and reflect.
Don't forget about our Black History Month-themed Mindful Book Club on Wednesday 16 October to share your thoughts, discoveries and recommendations so the conversation can go further.
Untold black stories
An online campaign on the SU's social media channels, telling the stories of Lilian Bader, Michelle Nichols, Kimberlé Crenshaw and more!
Learn more about the lives of these individuals through articles written by the Sabbatical Officers and Phyllis, one of the SU's Student Communities Coordinators. Alternatively, you can watch our informative videos about each chosen figure.