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BCUSU will be celebrating Black History Month under the national theme: Reclaiming Narratives.

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The 2024 Black History Month theme is "Reclaiming Narratives," which focuses on empowering Black communities to take control of their own stories and ensure their history is told accurately.
The theme encourages celebration of Black heritage, contributions, and experiences, and calls for involvement from individuals to highlight untold stories and correct historical distortions. It also emphasizes the importance of inspiring the next generation by broadening the scope of Black history beyond traditional focuses like slavery and civil rights
- Quote from BlackHistoryMonth.org

“As we celebrate Black History Month 2024 under the powerful theme “Reclaiming Narratives,” the BCU and BCUSU community reinvigorates the power in telling our own stories and honouring the incredible contributions of Black individuals in shaping our world. This is a call for EVERYONE to uplift the voices and achievements of Black icons, which transcends the one-month celebration but extends throughout the year.

“I, Oluwadamilola Iyanda, will continually collaborate with University EDI stakeholders across all areas, including societies such as: Nigerian Society, Afro-Caribbean Society, People of Colour Society. I invite you to join us in celebrating the contribution of Black people at our events and engage with activities across BCU and our student societies.

Black excellence, innovation, and resilience should be recognised year-round. Celebrating and uplifting Black voices within our university—students, faculty, and alumni enriches our academic and cultural environment, fostering a more INCLUSIVE community. Together, we can honour the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Black scholars and ensure that their legacies inspire future generations within our university community. Let’s ensure Black history remains a vibrant part of our collective story at BCU. Thank you.

Oluwadamilola Iyanda, Your Vice President Equity & Inclusion 

Events

graphic for Black History Month. 1st-31st October Black History Month
1st October midnight - 31st October 11pm
Various Locations
BCU's programme for Black History Month
Sefo Kanuteh and Julla Kanuteh Sefo & Julla Kanuteh
17th October 1pm - 3pm
Symphony Hall, Centenary Square, B1 2EA
Free B:Music event
Image of Paulette Hamilton MP, Florence Eshalomi MP and Taiwo Owatemi MP Black leaders in Parliament
18th October 6pm - 9pm
YMCA, 300 Reservoir Road, Erdington, B23 6DA
Hear the journey of Paulette Hamilton MP, Dawn Butler MP, Florence Eshalomi MP and Taiwo Owatemi MP
Legacy Centre of Excellence logo Birmingham Black Business Conference
19th October 10am - 1pm
Legacy Centre Of Excellence, Potters Lane, B6 4UU
Special guest speakers, business support, network building and more...
Black Business Market with Pan-African colours and patterns: Red, black, and green Careers+ Black Business Market
22nd October 10:30am - 2:30pm
Curzon Atrium, City Centre
As part of Black History Month, Careers+ are with black-owned businesses for a mini fair on campus
Goodbye Julia movie poster Film screening at The MAC
24th October 7:40pm - 10pm
Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QH
Get tickets online for screening of Goodbye Julia (2024)
Image of Casey Bailey BCU Alumni Podcast - Casey Bailey
28th October 3pm - 4pm
Online (BCU YouTube)
Join live stream of former Birmingham Poet Laureate and BCU Alumnus of the Year
Birmingham Race Impact Group logo Birmingham Race Impact Group summit
30th October 10am - 5pm
The Pavillion, Moor Lane, B6 7AA
A citywide initiative committed to addressing racial inequalities through accountable actions - book free spot

Useful resources

Black History Month UK

The UK's Black History Month organisation created for year long resources and coverage

BCU Library collection

A curated list of books for Black History Month 

Life as a black student (Student Minds)

Advice and reflections on navigating university life as a Black student, created by experts with lived experience

Sounds of Black Britain

podcast series from The Black Curriculum

We Don't Settle

A Birmingham-based community group focussing on empowering young people in minority groups

UKBFTOG

An organisation created for Black women in the photography industry

Birmingham Museum's Windrush exhibition

This exhibition focuses on the impact that Windrush had on the city

Student/Staff stories

Want to contribute to our stories? Let Oluwadamilola know!

Black History Month Spotify Playlist

Check out this playlist filled with afro beats and hits from Black artists, curated by BCUSU Societies.

Listen to Afro-Caribbean Society’s playlist

Listen to Nigerian Society’s playlist