Black History Month 2023
October marks Black History Month in the UK, a time when the achievements and struggles of Black people are recognised and celebrated throughout the UK.
Working closely with the Students' Union and the Keele Postgraduate Association (KPA) we are hosting a range of events and activities for staff and students throughout the month to learn more about Black history, celebrate culture and work towards creating a more inclusive campus.
All upcoming events are listed below and are also listed on the Keele App
This year's theme is 'Saluting our Sisters' highlighting the crucial role that Black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities.
Black History Month is an important time to reflect on policies and structures that continue to uphold racial hierarchies that perpetuate anti-blackness and discriminatory practices and continue to work to dismantle these.
Black History Month Blog
AI and Data Science student, Founder of Ojuola Crowned, and coordinator of Keele Afro Caribbean Society (KACS), Angel Ariyibi reflects on the importance of Black History Month with other members of KACS
Black History Month Film Nights
FREE film screenings at the Student's Union celebrating Black directors, actors, and stories.
3 October, 6:00 pm, the SU
It stars David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah as two strangers who meet during a chance encounter whilst both reeling from bad break-ups.
17 October, 6:00 pm, the SU
A sung-and-rapped biographical musical written and starring Lin Manuel Miranda covering the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and his involvement in the American Revolution.
31 October, 6:00 pm, the SU
Halloween special showing of Jordan Peele's Candyman. A sequel to the 1992 horror film Candyman, that returns to the now gentrified Chicago neighbourhood where the legend began.
All events during Black History Month 2023
Arts Keele Exhibition: Origin of Inspiration by William Attieku Ntiamoah: 01-31 October, Chancellor’s Gallery, Chancellor’s Building
Visitors are welcomed to immerse themselves in the captivating world of artistic inspiration at William Ntiamoah's upcoming exhibition “Origins of Inspiration”. Stepping into this realm, they will find an exploration of the origins of creativity and the essential interplay between inspiration and passion within the realm of art. Ntiamoah's compelling artworks delve into the core of what propels artistic expression, inviting each observer on a visual and emotional journey that illuminates the profound significance of inspiration and the capabilities of painting as a social tool.
Film Night – Rye Lane: Tuesday 3rd October 6:00–8:30 pm, Student Union, MARS
Join us for a FREE showing of Rye Lane, starring David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah as two strangers who meet during a chance encounter whilst both reeling from bad break-ups.
Documentary Showing: ‘I am not your Negro’ written by James Baldwin - Friday 6th October, 05:30 - 07:30 pm, Chancellors, Westminster theatre
Join us for a FREE showing of 'I Am Not Your Negro’, the documentary based on an unfinished book by writer James Baldwin titled ‘Remember This House’ in which he intended to explore modern racism in America. Narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson.
Black History Month Quiz Night: Tuesday 10th October, 09:00-11:00 pm, KPA
Join us in the KPA for a Black History Month-themed quiz night, testing your knowledge of Black music, film, literature and history.
Crafternoon Session: Thursday 12th October, 12:00-2:00 pm, Student Union
Join us for a FREE afternoon of crafts where we’ll be crocheting black poppies.
The black poppy is worn on Remembrance Day to commemorate the contributions of Black, African, Caribbean and Pacific Islander people during the First and Second World Wars and whose sacrifices have remained largely untold. In keeping with this year’s theme of ‘Saluting our Sisters! Celebrating Women of Colour’, we are honouring the achievements of Black, forgotten heroines including those of the Six Triple Eight battalion – a group of 855 Black women who came to England in 1945 to clear the two-year postal backlog, led by Major Charity Adams – the first Black woman to command an overseas battalion in the US Army.
This session is open to students only.
Documentary Showing – What Happened, Miss Simone?: Friday 13th October, 05:30 - 08:00 pm, Chancellors, Westminster theatre
Join us for a FREE showing of the documentary, ‘What Happened to Nina Simone?’ A documentary about the life of American singer Nina Simone, who became a civil rights activist and moved to Liberia following the turbulence of the 1960s.
Film Night – Hamilton: Tuesday 17th October, 6:00–8:30 pm, Student Union, MARS
Join us for a FREE showing of the hit musical Hamilton. A sung-and-rapped biographical musical written and starring Lin Manuel Miranda covering the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and his involvement in the American Revolution.
‘Breaking the Chains’ – Empowering Ourselves to Thrive Despite Trauma: Tuesday 17th October, 12:30-1:45 pm, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, DH1.13
This session is for anyone from a racially minoritised background. During the session we will discuss the lasting impact of racial trauma, how we view ourselves after experiencing a traumatic situation and what it can mean for our day-to-day life.
We will explore tools to manage the lasting effects of these experiences such as exercise, therapy, breathwork and mindfulness, culminating in a short Introduction to Mindfulness breathing session.
Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment via Microsoft Forms.
Documentary Screening: Our NHS with Dr Zoe Williams: Wednesday 18th October. 01:00 -02:00 pm - David Weatherall Building, Main lecture theatre (DJW0.39)
This recent document follows This Morning’s resident doctor, Dr Zoe Williams, as she explores her experiences of training as a Black British Doctor. She also interviews pioneering Black British doctors who forged new paths in the NHS for others to follow, as well as young Black British Doctors (including Dr Sowemimo) whose activism is working to change the way in which we treat Black patients and train and recruit healthcare students.
Gardening to Celebrate Black History Month: Friday 20th October, 10:00 - 11:30 am, WM0.03
Join us for an afternoon of gardening and learning more about Black gardeners in the UK.
Gardening is linked with mental health and self-care through exposure to nature, healthy eating and gentle exercise. Led by our Sustainability Engagement Officer, Alana Wheat, the session will involve a hands-on student eats gardening session after a presentation and discussion around the BHM and Sustainability. In the event of rain we will continue the discussion and presentation.
Students and staff welcome. To attend this session, please book via Microsoft Forms.
Book Club Session: Monday 23rd October, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, The Hub (SU)
Join us for FREE to discuss the book Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams where we’ll explore the themes of race, gender and identity.
Students and staff are welcome – you don’t need to have finished or even started the book to come along.
Synopsis: Queenie Jenkins is a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman living in London, straddling two cultures and slotting neatly into neither. She works at a national newspaper, where she’s constantly forced to compare herself to her white middle-class peers. After a messy break up from her long-term white boyfriend, Queenie seeks comfort in all the wrong places…including several hazardous men who do a good job of occupying brain space and a bad job of affirming self-worth.
Afrobeats Dance Class by Shey Dance Studios: Monday 23rd October 01:00-02:00 pm, Student Union - K2
Join us for a FREE dance class where you will learn how to dance to Afrobeats songs with the step-by-step guidance of a trained instructor. Everyone is welcome – no previous dance experience is necessary!
Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment via Microsoft Forms.
Diversity Festival: Tuesday 24th October, 03:30 - 06:00 pm, Keele SU Ballroom.
Join us in the SU ballroom for the Black History Month Diversity Festival, a celebration of culture from around the world with food, entertainment and performances. Students and staff are welcome.
Documentary Showing – The Life of Toni Morrison: Friday 27th October, 05:30- 08:30 pm, Chancellors, Westminster theatre
Join us for a FREE showing of the documentary ‘The Life of Toni Morrison’ exploring her life, her works and the powerful themes throughout her literary career.
Halloween special Film Night – Candyman (2021): Tuesday 31st October, 06:00- 08:00 pm, Student Union, MARS
Join us for a FREE Halloween special showing of Candyman written by Jordan Peele. A sequel to the 1992 horror film Candyman, that returns to the now gentrified Chicago neighborhood where the legend began.
Keele Concerts: Chineke! String Quartet, 17 January 2024, 07:30 pm, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme
The Chineke! Foundation was created in 2015 to provide outstanding career opportunities to established and up-and-coming Black and ethnically diverse classical musicians in the UK and Europe. Chineke!’s motto is: ‘Championing change and celebrating diversity in classical music’.
The organisation aims to be a catalyst for change, realising existing diversity targets within the industry by increasing the representation of Black and ethnically diverse musicians in British and European orchestras. Chineke! is the brainchild of Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE, who has this to say about the project: ‘My aim is to create a space where Black and ethnically diverse musicians can walk on stage and know that they belong, in every sense of the word. If even one Black and ethnically diverse child feels that their colour is getting in the way of their musical ambitions, then I hope to inspire them, give them a platform, and show them that music, of whatever kind, is for all people.’
TICKETS: £22.00 - £25.50, Concessions: £2.00 off Book via the New Vic Theatre, 01782 717962 KCS Members - this concert is included in your membership package.
Organiser: Keele Arts Contact: arts@keele.ac.uk
Documentary Screening: The West Indian Front Room - Monday 23rd October 4:00 pm, Chancellor's, CBA 1.102
Third-year student Rebecca Leech will be screening the documentary as part of her module on Home, which foregrounds Michael McMillan/Zimena Percival's documentary 'The West Indian Front Room'. The seassion is FREE for all students to join if interested.
Find out more The West Indian Front Room: Memories and Impressions of Black British Homes — Michael McMillan
Resources
Good Hair: Perceptions of Racism - Short film from the Open University
How does racism manifest itself in schools and workplaces? Explore the policies that discriminate against Black and Minority Ethnic communities in this immersive film interactive (30 minutes long) - Click here to play
Black Pound Day is a UK-wide campaign encouraging consumers to seek out and spend with Black-led businesses via the Black Pound Day directory and marketplace. It takes place on the first Saturday of every month.
Black Introvert Week (BIW), one of the closing events during UK Black History Month, gives added voice to one of the country’s most misunderstood communities.
Check out the Introverts and Allies guide for more information.
