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.
Working with the Students’ Union, the group welcomed colleagues, students and a committed BHY audience to join in. The aim of the event was to shine a light on Black contributions, homing in on the idea of legacy and showcasing the variety of Black talent in the vicinity.
Professor Dibyesh Anand opened the event and spoke of the need for Black History Year and the importance of the University’s ongoing commitment. This was followed by Dr Deborah Husbands, Reader in Psychology and Lead for the Black History Year Programme and the BHY Steering Group, who spoke about the influential role the programme has at the University and gave credit to Professor Andrew Linn for kickstarting the idea. After the introductions, Gemma Creary, from the Student Retention team, performed a spoken word piece. She graced the audience with her gift for words, finishing her set with a mixed-media piece featuring this video.
Next, was Grimm Dreamurr, AKA Joel, who will be studying Music at the Harrow Campus in the next academic year. Joel performed his original raps and showcased his vocal range with a cover of Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra.
Finally, Junior Booker had the crowd in stitches as he performed a stand-up comedy session, using his dry wit, impressive improv and charisma to reel the audience in and send them laughing into the final event of the night – a pop culture quiz, hosted by Zahrah Surooprajally, EDI Events Manager.
To bring the evening to an end Chancellor Natalie Campbell and Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Bonfield offered closing comments and thanks. Along with sharing her words, the Chancellor organised a selection of Belu soft drinks for guests to enjoy.
About the event, Zahrah Surooprajally said: "The night was a truly collective effort led by the BHY steering groupwith great support from the Students’ Union. Huge thank you to Paula Cadenhead, our BHY Programme Manager, for her efforts in bringing together the different elements. What a brilliant way to celebrate Black History Month!”
Find out more about Black History Year at Westminster.
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