Black History Month 2022

Black History Month 2022

University of Aberdeen celebrates Black History Month 1st - 31st October

Introduction to Black History Month

Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya and Professor Ruth Taylor,
Co-conveners of the Race Equality Strategy Group

October is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the extraordinary contributions that Black people have made in the UK and beyond. Initiated by American historian Cater G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African Life and History (ASALH) in 1926, it comprises a series of events each October, to promote Black history and acknowledge the achievements of Black people. Observed across the world, Black History Month continues to educate, inspire and motivate millions of people, whilst acting as a catalyst for change.

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We are delighted to present the University’s programme for Black History Month 2022.  There are a range of events on offer, including discussion sessions and food tastings, pamper sessions and podcasts, all of which will provide opportunities for our community to engage with the theme of this year’s celebration - Time for Change: Action not Words.

The theme this year resonates with us, as we progress our antiracism work. Since last year’s celebrations, we have continued to prioritise this work through the University’s strategic plan, Aberdeen 2040, and our Antiracism Strategy which was launched in 2022.  The Strategy commits us to creating safe working and learning environments and to fostering a true sense of belonging for our staff and students, with this being overseen by the Race Equality Strategy Group (RESG).

Building on training delivered in 2021, race literacy training was offered to staff and postgraduate research students earlier in the year. During 2022, we established an Antiracism Roundtable with our local partners such as the North-East Scotland Police division, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen City Council, and Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC) to identify where shared action could support antiracist work in the northeast of Scotland.

Our thriving Staff and Postgraduate Research Race Equality Network continues to raise awareness of race-related issues in the Higher Education sector, empowering staff and postgraduate students and providing support when needed. Throughout the academic year, the BAME Students Forum has hosted events such as a Black Asian Minority Ethnic LGBTQIA+ Consent Workshop for Pride Month and DJ sets featuring Afro-fusion, neo-soul, African jazz, and Afro-funk/disco music. Last year, 21 Race Equality Champions were appointed. They are a point of contact for staff and students for advice, guidance, to share ideas, or just for a listening ear.

While Black History Month provides an important opportunity to celebrate our Black community, it is also a time to reflect. We understand that our commitment to racial equality on our campuses is an ongoing journey and one that requires action from all members of the University of Aberdeen community. We hope you enjoy the Black History Month 2022 programme and we encourage you to support and engage in our wider race equality work. Through our collective effort and dedication, we will make positive changes so that all staff and students can reach their full potential and experience a sense of belonging in the University and in the Northeast of Scotland.

2023 Call for Ideas 

We are now starting plans on our 2023 programme of events, if you have an event you would like to host please complete our call for ideas form so we can include the event in our official programme. 

Black History Month call for ideas 2023 form. 

Black History Month 2022 Programme

Download Programme

Download the 2022 Black History Month Programme via the button, or view the events listed below. 

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Following our social media accounts will keep you up to date with our latest Black History Month posts!

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