Celebrating Black History Month 2020

This October is Black History Month, and in recognition of this, a number of activities have been planned throughout the University and School, writes Emily Baldwin.

These events celebrate both the achievements of Black people through history, as well as acknowledging the difficulties and racism that is prevalent in this history, and today. 

In order to continue this learning process and to stimulate discussion, the Postgraduate Representatives, Rosanna Tilbrook, Donald Bowden and Emma Thomas, have organised a range of events to help the Postgraduate Students to engage with the subject matter. Following on from the ‘Shutdown STEM’ day of action in June, there have already been several regular EDI events, where Postgraduate researchers have watched a documentary relating to Black Lives Matter and Black History before engaging in a group discussion on anti-racism. These have led to productive conversations and continued the discourse on these important matters.  

Two of the events planned for this month follow the same structure, with viewings of the documentaries ‘Black Power: America’s Armed Resistance’ and ‘Black and British: A Forgotten History (episode 1)’. As well as these documentaries two films are being shown: ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Just Mercy’. Both of these films celebrate the achievements of Black figures in history, from excelling in NASA to the founding of the Equal Justice Initiative. 

The Reps will also compile newsletters throughout the month which highlight the achievements of Black scientists as well as signposting resources for further learning.