UWE’s annual Black History Month is well underway. Image by UWE Bristol.
UWE’s annual Black History Month is well underway. Image by UWE Bristol.

UWE Bristol celebrates and promotes knowledge or black and ethnic minority history with a series of events this month.

Across the UK, people have been celebrating the 29th year of Black History Month and in UWE Bristol, the celebrations haven’t stopped all month.

Prior to October, staff from the Black and Minority Ethnic Forum have been organising events for other staff members and students. The aim of these events is to unite local communities and promote knowledge of black and ethnic minority history.

The Black History Month Display is one of the centrepieces for this celebration.  It includes rich heritage of culture and diversity.

 As it is placed in S block until the 30th of October, it enables trainee teachers here at UWE to encourage the children on their school placements to engage with the subject. Starting with the poet James Berry you can view narratives exploring various themes.

Another event is the BME perspectives on the Criminal Justice System; the Faculty of Business and Law are hosting an evening of discussion, film and networking.

 Also on the 26th of October, the film 12 Years a Slave will be played on campus, a film well worth watching whether you’re interested in the history black slavery or not. 

There are a number of Race Equality student workshops being held, where you can take part in surveys for UWE to understand where they are an ensure BME staff and students have an opportunity to input and recommend ways in which UWE can advance race equality.

BME staff and students have worked very hard to make this month as successful as last year. They hope others will gain more of an understanding about some experiences of members of our community who experience incidents or racism and abuse on a frequent basis. If you have never attended any events like this, now is the time too; they are all free, what’s your excuse?