October marks Black History Month – an annual celebration that acknowledges and honours the contributions of Black individuals to history, culture and society. The theme this year is Reclaiming Narratives’; shining a light on the stories, allegories, and history of our Black community here in Manchester.
Join us for 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.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
We spoke to students across our University community to share what Black History Month means for them and some of the pioneers they’ll be celebrating. Hear from Landry, President of the African Caribbean Medical Society below:
Events
Various dates
Black Owned MCR events
From a natural hair masterclass and pre-owned clothing sale to a Black artist exhibition and wine night, there’s loads going on throughout the month at Black Owned Studios. We’ll also be hosting a ‘Bring Your Own Bonnet Night’ in The Hive at the SU, 5-8pm on Wednesday 16 October, where you can come along to unwind and de-stress and meet other members in a safe and relaxing space.
Wednesday, 2 October
Reimagining Black History Month at Manchester Central Library Performance Space
5.15pm – 7.30pm
Join award-winning author, broadcaster and Professor of Sociology, Gary Younge, and young leaders from the youth-led organisation 8% Club, to discuss the future of Black History Month, how to acknowledge and celebrate Black histories year-round and unveiling their Black Histories manifesto.
Thursday, 3 October
Barbara Walker: Being Here at The Whitworth Art Gallery
6pm – 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. We will be holding a special exhibition preview evening to mark Barbara Walker’s show opening and the Whitworth’s autumn programme.
Wednesday, 9 October
Brunch and Learn: BHM and data at the University of Manchester
11am – 12pm (Online via Zoom)
Join EDI Lead Data Analyst Sami Karamalla-Gaiballa for an interactive session which will look at data of UoM Black ad 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.
Wednesday, 23 October
Environmental Justice : Let’s Talk About Race – Can I Live? screening at Manchester Museum
6pm – 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
12pm – 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 at Room 6.207, University Place, 10am to 11am
Join us for a discussion on the ongoing research of 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.
We will also be joined by Keisha Thompson, who has recently been appointed as the Guardian’s Programme Manager for their Scott Trust Legacy of Enslavement restorative justice project.
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.
Wednesday, 30 October
Black History Month, The Bicentenary and Beyond at Lecture Theatre A, University Place, Manchester, 12 noon 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. As we reflect on the Bicentenary, what lies ahead in terms of our community. Topics will take in the Race Equality Charter, inclusive teaching and learning environments, career development, student initiatives and legacies.
Wednesday, 13 November
Our Histories: Our Stories at University Place_3.204, 2pm to 3pm
An opportunity to hear the works of colleagues and community writers about their lived experiences, covering grief and renewal, the confidence poem, Windrush and more.
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.