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Celebrating Black History Month


This year's theme: Standing Firm in Power and Pride

 

BHM logo with text

 

The theme for this year's Black History Month, taking place in October, is 'Standing Firm in Power and Pride'. To celebrate, the University and Royal Holloway Students' Union will be hosting events for staff and students.

University events taking place during Black History Month can be found below:

'Black in the Library' - online reading list
Throughout October

Read something new this Black History Month! The Library’s ‘Black in the Library’ online reading list showcases materials by Black authors and creators in our collection, from non-fiction works to poetry, novels and audio-visual material. You can also find some of these titles on display in the Library throughout October, which include recommendations from the Students’ Union.

Black Students' Social
Thursday 2 October, 3-5pm, Tommy's Lounge

To kick off Black History Month, join Clara, your Black & Global Majority Students Community Officer, for a Black Students’ Social for black students to meet, mingle, and connect.

The event will take place in Tommy’s Lounge and will feature tea, coffee, cake, and snacks, along with board games and great conversation. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet Clara, learn how RHSU can support you, and build community in a space specifcally designed for Black students to gather and connect. 

 Find out more.

Blind Date With A Book
Tuesday 7 October, Tommy's Lounge

Hidden behind a very vague description and some brown paper are a host of incredible books just waiting to be discovered! Pick up a book from the book swap shelf and maybe find your new favourite read.

We've got plenty to chose from so grab one, give it a read and then come back on the Tuesday 28 October to swap with someone, discuss what you liked or didn't like!

 Find out more.

Movie Night ft. ACS, Cinema and Latin American Society
Tuesday 7 October, 6-8pm

Join your ACS, Cinema and Latin American Society for a movie night to celebrate Black History Month. 

There will be snacks and drinks provided at this event so bring your friends to watch this movie celebrating standing firm in power and pride. Join us in-person or online via WatchParty.

 Find out more.

Reflections on the In the Grip of Change online exhibition - panel event
Wednesday 8 October, 3-4.30pm, Senate House

Senate House Library is proud to host a special panel discussion reflecting on the In the Grip of Change: the Caribbean and its British diaspora exhibition and its continued impact. Featuring speakers with personal, professional, and historical ties to the exhibition, the event will explore the enduring relevance of the Caribbean diaspora in Britain.

In the Grip of Change: the Caribbean and its British diaspora exhibition that took place at Senate House Library from 29 October 2024 to 12 April 2025. The exhibition was made available as an online exhibition, in celebration of Windrush Day 2025. Bringing together a distinguished panel of speakers with personal, family and professional connections to the items featured in the exhibition, we will reflect on the objects' histories and their relevance and impact today. 

The event is free to attend and will be taking place at the Seng Tee Lee room, Senate House Library, from 3-4.30pm on Wednesday 8 October. Please visit the event website.

ACS Football Match & Bake Sale
Friday 17 October, 12-3pm, Sports Centre

Join ACS for an afternoon of football, fundraising and raising awareness. 

More information TBC. 

 Find out more.

Black Creativity Showcase
Monday 20 October, 5-7pm, SU Hall

Come down to the SU to celebrate the amazing talent of the black community at Royal Holloway with ACS!

The SU venue will be transformed into a cosy, intimate venue for a chilled evening of performances from Students and Staff.

Student poems and artwork will fill the space, and we’ll hear live poetry readings and musical performances.

Take part in the showcase - last chance to sign up is Wednesday 15 October at midday.  

Calling all Black Creatives! We want to showcase your talent at our Black Creativity Showcase!

We’re looking for:

  • Poetry readings / spoken word.
  • Musical Performances.
  • Theatre Excerpts.
  • Visual art, short films.

If you have any questions, drop us an email at voice@su.rhul.ac.uk and we’ll be happy to help!

 Find out more.

Racial Inequality Workshop ft. ACS & Jacqueline Sanchez Taylor
Tuesday 21 October, 6-8pm, Location TBC

Join ACS & Jacqueline Sanchez Taylor for a Racial Inequality Workshop. 

More information TBC.

 Find out more.

Hall Life x BHM: Zine Making
Tuesday 21 October, 7-8pm, Student Lounge (Windsor Building)

Join Hall Life and Clara, your Black & Global Majority Community Officer for a zine making event! 

Come along to the Student Lounge to get creative and make a zine that captures what standing firm in power and pride means to you for Black History Month. This zine making session will allow for creativity, self-expression, and experimentation in a relaxed and welcoming space. All materials will be provided as well as snacks to keep you fueled whilst you make your zine. Whether you’re new to zines or have been making them for years, this workshop is a chance to play with ideas, share stories, and leave with a one-of-a-kind creation to take home. 

 Find out more.

Book Club
Tuesday 28 October, 3-5pm, Davison Building Wellbeing Area

For Black History Month, we’re diving into the books you picked up at the beginning of the month at Blind Date with a Book at the Library.

In collaboration with the Library Team, the book club will provide an opportunity for you to discuss the books you picked up, explore topics and exchange books for further reading!

Grab a copy from the book swap shelf located in Tommy's Lounge or bring your own and get reading. 

 Find out more.

Movie Night, 
Thursday 30 October, 5-7pm, SU Hall

Join your Black & Majority Students Community Officer, Clara for a movie night to celebrate Black History Month.

GET OUT of your room and come along to movie night! There will be snacks and drinks provided at this event so bring your friends to watch this movie celebrating standing firm in power and pride. Join us in-person or online via WatchParty.

 Find out more.

 

Find out more