We are delighted to share a diverse line-up of events and talks for Black History Month 2024. This year’s theme (in the UK) is ‘Reclaiming narratives'. This theme underscores a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage.
If you have an event you would like included in this year's programme please email diversity@bath.ac.uk with the details. The list of activities below will be regularly updated with the latest activities and events throughout October.
Also this month consider joining the Mosaic network for staff or the SU's Bath African and Caribbean Society for students.
Week 1
Launch event
NEW DATE AND TIME: 2 October, 13:00-14:00
CB 4.10
This in-person seminar will introduce Black History Month at the University and feature guest speaker Dr Audrey Allwood - Leading British Anthropologist, expert on Caribbean Migration, Windrush, and Mental Health.
The event will also feature:
- Dr Teslim Bukoye, Race Equality Lead (host)
- Professor Jane White, Vice-President: Community & Inclusion
- Pam Chesters CBE, Chair of Council
Week 2
Black staff creative session
8 October, 12:00-14:00
The Edge arts studio
Join together with fellow Black staff members to express yourself on the theme of 'Reclaiming Narratives' through the medium of paint and collage. Make your own canvas or contribute to the large communal piece. Suitable for beginners, all materials provided.
Black student creative session
9 October, 12:00-15:00
The Edge arts studio
Join together with fellow Black students to express yourself on the theme of 'Reclaiming Narratives' through the medium of paint and collage. Make your own canvas or contribute to the large communal piece. Suitable for beginners, all materials provided.
Week 3
City walking tour: Walk Bath’s ‘Uncomfortable’ Past
20 October, 15:00-17:00
Outside 44AD artspace (in the square next to Bath Abbey), Kingston Parade, Bath
This walk covers Bath’s complex colonial connections. It offers insight into how transatlantic slavery contributed to the splendours of 18th century Bath by bringing to the light how the trafficking and subsequent exploitation of enslaved Africans funded many of Bath’s grandiose neo-Palladian building projects. The walk engages with the city’s heritage from the viewpoint of both those who benefited from slavery and those who revolted or campaigned against it.
The walk draws on a walk designed by a group of students at the University of Bath in 2020. A chapter discussing the design of the walk is now available in open access in the recently published book Breaking the Dead Silence: Engaging with the Legacies of Empire and Slave-Ownership in Bath and Bristol’s Memoryscapes. Look for chapter 12 'Mapping Bath’s Uncomfortable Past’.
Week 4
Breaking the Dead Silence: Meet the Authors
22 October, 13:15-14:15
Library Foyer (breakout area)
This talk brings together authors Renée Jacobs, Founder of The Belonging Network in Bath and Roger Griffith, MBE, a writer, social entrepreneur and former Chair/Broadcaster of Ujima Radio in Bristol. Renée is a TEDx speaker, instigator and a change-maker. She is also a keen advocate of people from minoritised backgrounds. Roger is passionate about sharing cultural stories, promoting racial equality and social inclusion. He is a keen advocate for life-long learning which elevated his rise from unemployment to senior manager at Bristol City Council.
Both authors will discuss their contributions to the book 'Breaking the Dead Silence: Engaging with the Legacies of Empire and Slave-Ownership in Bath and Bristol’s Memoryscapes' (look for chapters 6 and 7) in conversation with Dr Christina Horvath, co-author and editor of the book. The book, in open access, discusses the experience of Bath and Bristol’s complex colonial connections and reflects on how this difficult heritage should be addressed in contemporary society.
'Being an Anti-Racist Ally' training for students
23 October, 12:30-14:00
Location on campus TBC - also hybrid online
Come to this lunchtime session and learn practical actions you can take as an anti-racist. Find out more about the problem of racism, and how we can all be part of the solution.
The five day challenge
The 5 day challenge has 5 different activities for students and staff to do. Each activity takes just 5 minutes, and will help you reflect and, more importantly, take action to drive equality. Read the challenges here and get started.
Week 5
Allyship training for staff
30 October, 13:00-13:30
Online
In our lightning 30 minute training session, pick up simple tips to start becoming an anti-racist ally.
Closing session
31 October, 13:00-14:00
CB 3.16
This in-person event will be hosted by Dr Teslim Bukoye, Race Equality Lead. This session will be used to launch our involvement in the Race Equality Charter, and we will take the time to acknowledge all events which has taken place over the month, and reflect on their impact on our community. Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President, will be in attendance.
#NeverOK
This Black History Month we are bolstering our support for the #NeverOK campaign, a citywide campaign which makes clear that bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct are #NeverOK. Through training students in bystander intervention, and developing allyship and community within the University, the campaign is creating a more inclusive and race-conscious environment. You can find out how to get involved in the campaign here.
Support and Report
The University can help, you can tell us if you have experienced any form of discrimination, including microaggressions.
Use Support and Report, we listen and take you seriously. We can support, offer guidance, and make change #NeverOK.
Library reading list for Black History Month
The has Library put together a selection of resources to celebrate Black History Month. This list will be expanded and updated as we acquire more stock. If you have any suggestions of books to add to the list, please email the Library on library@bath.ac.uk.
The SU
To find out what activities are being put on by the Students' Union visit their dedicated Black History Month webpage.
External events
Diane Abbott: A Woman Like Me
Diane Abbott joins Bath Arts Collective to talk to Jendella Benson about A Woman Like Me, her powerful new memoir that takes us through her incredible journey.
Changing narratives of Bath's heritage
Join Bath Spa University as they host speakers from well-known institutions in Bath to take a deeper look at the hidden histories of Black people in Britain, hear new perspectives on stories you thought you knew and understand the work that is being carried out in decolonising our history.