Dr Jennifer Irabor, Senior Lecturer in the School of Health and Care Management, talks about the significance of Black History Month and how you can get involved with events throughout October.
Black History Month originated from educators in the United States. The initiative was embraced by UK political establishments and forwarded by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo. In an interview Akyaanba spoke of the story of a black colleague’s child asking the question ‘why can’t I be white’? It is such experiences that fuelled the implementation of Birtian’s October Black History Month.
Black History Month recognises the contributions of black people across several domains throughout History. The importance of this should not be understated as there is a noticeable absence of black authorship and influence in core curriculums. Black History Month positions itself as an advocate to restore balance over biases. Ultimately, it’s about changing the way black history is conveyed.
Historically black people have suffered great injustice leading to shame and systematic disadvantage. Black History Month is an opportunity to recognise the past and celebrate the achievements of black people despite significant hardship. It is an international stage to showcase, praise and remember what it means to be unapologetically black.
This initiative has been criticised for highlighting segregation and surfacing microaggressions. Could it be that micro aggressive responses to Black History Month reveal systematic structures that are fundamentally rooted in racism? While this may be uncomfortable to accept, we cannot neglect the glaring inequalities that still exist today. It is through incentives like this that voices of the silenced can be heard.
Black History Month at the very least opens the door for conversations that break colonial narratives and rectify miseducation. This year’s theme of reclaiming narratives does precisely that. The theme seeks to empower black people by giving them a space to tell their stories. Stories that were forgotten, omitted or inaccurate can now be rewritten. Stereotypes can be challenged and confronted squarely by the influx of black perspectives.
As a person of black ethnicity this month permits a time for reflection. While it may induce discomfort, it also births pride because we have overcome tremendous adversity. Yet everyone should recognise that Black History Month is not just for black people, it is for all people to find a way to connect with each other through deeper understanding. While there are fundamental cultural differences celebrating and creating room for black history brings us together. Black History Month raises a banner of hope, hope for reconciliation and restitution.
Arden Race and Ethnicity Network (REN) is a great place to get involved. The network highlights the value of black culture and heritage by ensuring these groups are represented and considered. They promote diversity by creating awareness of racial issues and providing a supportive community. REN work on various projects and events such as diversity fest, workshops and conferences, providing opportunities for collaboration, partnership and change.
Get involved this October:
Be sure to register for virtual Guest Talks
Dr Mel Green and Dr Claire Malcolm - Keynote Launch
They will be sharing what BHM means, covering a range of areas like culture and education
1 - 2pm Wednesday 2 October
Book your place
Dr Mark Duncan - My Experience of Being a Black Prison Officer
1 - 2.30pm Monday 7 October
Book your place
Towella Ngambi – Unveiling the Hidden Histories: Black British Legacy from Moors to Windrush
12.30 - 2pm Thursday 10 October
Book your place
Oliver Young – 10 Top Tips for Aspiring Black Academics
Oliver Young is a Senior Lecturer and the Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Exeter. He will be taking us through his own journey as a Black academic.
1 - 2:30pm Monday 14 October
Book your place
Bud Johnston – Men and Mental Health
12.30 - 2pm Tuesday 15 October
Book your place
Food event - Get stuck in
12.30 pm – 2pm Wednesday 16 October
As part of the final celebrations at Arden, all the UK campuses will be serving light refreshments and giving out small souvenirs. Below is the list of where each campus will be sharing food and gifts:
- Manchester – 6th floor breakout space
- Leeds – 1st floor breakout space
- Birmingham Crossways – The View on the 10th floor
- Birmingham Lock 14 – The Nest on the 1st floor
- London Ealing – Ground floor breakout space
- London Tower Hill – 5th floor breakout space
- London Holborn – 5th floor breakout space
Black History Month—Reflect, Learn and Celebrate!
Dr Jennifer Irabor
Did you know?
The Library has a Black History eBook collection, focusing on Black voices, perspectives and experiences across multiple subjects.
Visit the News Hub on your Learning Success Hub to view the collection and read any of these informative and thought-provoking titles.
We want to keep growing and developing this collection so if there are any other titles you’d like to see added, perhaps related to this year’s theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, you can fill out our Request an eBook form with the details of the book and we'll buy it if we can!
