In the month of October and throughout the academic year, we are hosting events and holding space to explore Black history, casting an eye on where the past has taken Black realities in the current day.
Celebrating black history
The University of Westminster’s Black History Year showcases our commitment to Black History reflecting the richness of our University – past and present.
It's a celebration of Black history, stories, lives, politics, creativity, and achievement. And it is a chance to learn from and share space with, amazing Black historians, musicians, executives, writers, artists, thinkers, academics and our own alumni.
To this end, we seek to educate, enlighten, inspire and create community – in our university and beyond.
Events
BHY Beyond Books: The Intouchables
18 April, 4.00-8.00pm, Portland Hall, Little Titchfield Street
The BHY Beyond Books initiative, launched in April 2023, provides a space for staff, students, and the public to critically review representations of Blackness in the media using discussions and performative dialogue. This time, we're hosting a captivating movie night featuring the acclaimed film "The Intouchables" directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano.
News
Westminster hosts Black History Year Celebrates event to mark Black History Month
On 25 October, in recognition of Black History Month, the Black History Year (BHY) Steering Group held a flagship event, BHY Celebrates, giving Westminster students and colleagues a space to enjoy a night filled with music, important conversations and displays of talent that reflect the kaleidoscope of the Black experience.
Westminster holds latest Black History Year Beyond Books event
Westminster’s Black History Year (BHY) Beyond Books event was a space to discuss David Olusoga’s Black and British, a book that offers an insight into the history of Black British people and their contributions to British society.
Artist Joshua Akinwumi’s exhibit comes to Westminster for Black History Month
The Nigerian-born artist is currently showcasing his solo exhibition, Limitless, at the University of Westminster’s Harrow Campus between 2-14 October 2023. The exhibit is a testament to and celebration of Black History Month and a tribute to the Black community’s enduring spirit and limitless potential.
Mykaell Riley hosts series on Virgin Radio for Black History Month
During Black History Month Mykaell Riley, Reader, Director for the Black Music Research Unit (BMRU) and Principal Investigator for Bass Culture Research at the University of Westminster, is hosting a new episode each week on Virgin Radio, exploring Black bands and artists who have shaped music and popular culture across the UK.
Westminster hosts Black History Year event on how theories of racial fitness shape our views
Westminster welcomed Dr Shantella Sherman to speak at the University’s Black History Year event "Screening Eugenics: How Theories of ‘Racial Fitness’ Shape Our Views" on 11 October.
Interview: Deborah Husbands shares how Westminster’s inspirational Black History Year came about
Dr Deborah Husbands shares her thoughts on Black History Year and the importance of recognising the ongoing contributions of Black people to UK society.
Guardian columnist Georgina Lawton discusses race and identity at Blackness and Belonging event
University of Westminster students got the opportunity to listen to journalist, travel writer and author Georgina Lawton sharing her experiences and insights on the complexities of Black identity and finding belonging in all kinds of spaces at the first Black History Year event of 2024.
Initiatives
BHY Beyond Books
Within the broader Black History Year program, we aim to explore and emphasise the representation of Black identity in the arts and culture sphere. To achieve this, we are excited to introduce "BHY Beyond Books" in April 2023. This initiative will involve the review and analysis of a series, book, and film that specifically showcase Black British representation. We invite you to join us for a stimulating and thought-provoking discussion centred around Black history and culture during this event.
BHY Create
The "Black History Year Create" program is a six-month initiative designed to empower Black university students at Level 6. It focuses on enhancing their confidence, visibility, and individuality as they prepare to enter the workforce after graduation. This program takes a decolonized approach, addressing issues like tokenism, microaggressions, and systemic racism. Following a successful pilot year, it will continue in its second year in 2023/24 with a larger group of participants.
BHY Researchers Network
The BHY Researchers Network was set up by the BHY Steering Group to specifically address the needs of Black academics at the University of Westminster. The Research Excellence Framework (REF) published a report on 13 July 2021 revealing that Black staff are significantly less likely than white staff to submit their research to the REF. Furthermore, they are less likely to become principal investigators or co-investigators, publish research in high-quality journals or obtain grants – all important for academic career development.
The network addresses this gap by supporting Black academics to develop research and grant writing skills through dedicated training sessions and writing retreats. If you would like to learn more, please contact [email protected].
Black history at the university
Black History archive
Watch our archive video which showcases a collection of articles, photos and fragments from the University’s archive, piecing together black student and staff narratives, counter narratives and experiences.
Student music
The music playing in the archive video is from Westminster music student Moses Mwanga - check out more of Moses’ great work on Bandcamp.
What does Black History mean?
We wanted to know, what does Black History Month mean? We posed this question to our students to start a discussion about Black History Month.
Events playlist
Check out our Black History past events playlist, covering an array of topics, including mental health, women’s power and creativity.
How to be an ally – different conversations
In this episode of the University of Westminster Podcast filmed during Black History Month, Stephen Bunbury, a Senior Lecturer at Westminster Law School speaks to Kate M. Graham, Lecturer in English Literature about what it takes to be an ally. The pair discuss the difficulties in understand that can be met and how to handle certain situations.
Confronting my imposter
This discussion provides a supportive insight into Imposter Syndrome in women, with a focus on Black women.