Wednesday 29-09-2021 - 10:08

Black history month has been celebrated every year for over 30 years and is an annual commemoration of the history, achievements, and contributions of Black people in the UK. It is a time to recall black history, recognise and celebrate the people who fought and are still fighting for the rights of black communities, as well as celebrating blackness and black culture here and now.

This year, The Union is honouring the month with a range of events in hope to celebrate and elevate the voices of black students. We have events that look at the achievements of black students, struggles the black students face, as well as opportunities for students to get involved in.

What’s on for Black History Month 2021?

We’ve got loads of stuff going on this month to celebrate Black History that are hosted by the Student Officers and the BAME ambassadors. You can join us for a movie night, or get involved in one of the SEE MY WORLD events like a talk with Sideman and Professor Hakim Adi, or the SMW festival launch with live music from WSTRN. 

There are loads of other stuff you can get involved in this month, here’s the full list of events and activities. Keep checking back here as we’ll be adding more as the days go on!

 

Officer events

Othering Blackness

Thursday 7 October 2021, 16:30-19:30  

The Union - Conference Suite

Join us for an evening of exploration and discussions about being The Other. This is also an opportunity to get information about and to sign up for our Black Students' Group too. Most importantly, we'll be discussing issues that are important to you and your student experience.

Mental Health in the Black Community

Monday 18 October 2021 16:30-19:30

The Union - Room 8

Join us for an evening of healing and retrospection as we look at the ways that colonialism has shaped Black mental health. This is also an opportunity to get information about and to sign up for the Black Students' Group, as well as discuss issues that affect your mental health as a Black student.

 

BAME events

Movie Night

Thursday 14 October 2021, 16:00-20:00 

The Union - Rooms 6&7

Join us for an evening of pizza, film, and great discussions. This is also an opportunity to meet other BAME students at MMU, make friends and chat about issues that are important to you.

Alumni Event

Thursday 21 October 2021, 18:00-19:30

Online

To celebrate Black History Month this event will host a panel of Manchester Met alumni from African and Caribbean descent from across the university who are keen to share their personal and professional stories with current students helping inspire the next generation.

Which Alumni will be on the Panel?

TBC

Why a BAME specific panel event?

Role models can contribute towards guiding, inspiring and motivating people. Therefore access to visible role models is important for the career development of everybody. Research findings show that BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic)students nationally have highlighted a lack of role models available to them. This event is open to all Faculties and year groups. Non-BAME student and staff members in a show of solidarity with BAME students/staff of colour welcome to attend.

See My World Festival

The Union is supporting a whole load of events as part of the See My World Festival curated by Big People Community CIC. There's so much to explore, so click here for the full list of events and activities you can get involved in. 

 

 

If you're looking for ways to stay engaged with Black empowerment as a student during and after black history month, take a look at some of these opportunities: 

Black Students' Group

Our Black Students’ Group is an elected group of Black students who carry out activity around issues that affect Black students during their time at Manchester Met. You can join our Black Students' Group here. 

Volunteering with Black led charities

Here's some opportunities from our Volunteering Portal: 

The Caribbean and African Health Network(CAHN) Black History Month events volunteering role

Back on Track volunteering role

Make a change through student led projects

Want to do something for Black students or members of the local community? You can! Simply fill out this form on the change you want to bring and The Union will try and help you do that.