October is Black History Month, which is a time for celebration and recognition of Black history and culture. This year’s theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, with the aim to correct historical inaccuracies and showcase the untold stories and the full complexity of Black heritage.
At Royal Holloway, we are resolutely on our journey to becoming anti-racist. In our work to date, we have seen gradual change as we have increased our understanding of the systemic structures and processes that perpetuate racism. We recognise our capacity as individuals, teams, and an entire University community to change behaviours, practices and processes that lead to oppression.
However, we know that gradual progress is not enough. That is why we are currently developing our Anti-Racism Action Plan, rooted in a comprehensive process of self-reflection, data analysis, and input from both students and staff in surveys and interviews. In parallel we are continuing to hold conversations, including our University-wide Conversations About Race initiative. We are adopting a holistic approach, to ensure anti-racist action and mindsets are developed across the entire University, with the objective of disrupting the status quo and driving the change we need to see.
We invite all students and staff to learn more about and contribute towards this work at our Anti-Racism Action Plan Exhibition, taking place from Monday 28 – Thursday 31 October in Windsor Foyer. This is an opportunity to share your views on race equality priorities, challenges and good practice, and discuss ideas and opportunities with members of our Race Equality Group, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team, and Students’ Union. Professor Tracy Bhamra, our Senior Race Equality Champion, will be available at the following days and times to talk with you about race equality progress and plans:
Other University events taking place during Black History Month include:
Looking to learn more about Black History this 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 film. You can also find some of these titles on display in the Library throughout October!
To kick off Black History Month, join the SU’s VP Wellbeing & Diversity, Olivia, alongside Black & Global Majority Community Officer, Piya for a guest panel celebrating Black students and academics at Royal Holloway. The panel of four will feature Black women across the University’s colleague and student body including an ACS Representative, Women in STEM Representative, and two academics from Law and Media.
Join our Students' Union Black and Global Community Officer, Piya for our first movie night of the month to watch a film chosen by you! There will be snacks and drinks provided at this event so bring your friends to watch this movie celebrating the narratives of black figures in history and meet your Black and Global Majority Community Officer! Join us in-person or online via WatchParty. Find out more.
Join us as we host the first screening of our Royal Holloway-made short film on the Black British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, in collaboration with the Black Cultural Archives. Featuring Samia La Virgne, Ayshah Johnston, Aysh Atkins, Saurav Chowduary, Shzr Ee Tan, Jon Samsworth, and Sophia Wilhelmi. Light refreshments will be served after the film (40 mins). Please sign up on this Microsoft Form.
For Black History Month, the Students' Union Book Club we're diving into Bernadine Evaristo's novel Girl, Woman, Other! Grab a copy from the book swap shelf or bring your own, and get reading! Find out more.
After the successful relaunch of the Conversations About Race project last academic year, we are excited to announce upcoming dates for cross-University sessions. These are open to all students and colleagues, to share and better understand different lived experiences of race and racism. Spaces are limited, so we encourage early sign ups on this Microsoft form.
If you are not able to attend the session in Black History Month, alternative dates are:
For Black History Month, the Students' Union Book Club we're diving into Bernadine Evaristo's novel Girl, Woman, Other! Grab a copy from the book swap shelf or bring your own, and get reading! Find out more.
Join our Students' Union Black and Global Community Officer, Piya for our first movie night of the month to watch a film chosen by you! There will be snacks and drinks provided at this event so bring your friends to watch this movie celebrating the narratives of black figures in history and meet your Black and Global Majority Community Officer! Join us in-person or online via WatchParty. Find out more.
Come down to the Students' Union 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.
To continue celebrating the talent of RHSU’s Black Creative and their contribution to the Black Creativity Showcase, work submitted to the showcase will be displayed in the Davison atrium until the end of term for all Students and Staff to celebrate. Find out more.
We are excited to announce a training opportunity for students who are interested in becoming facilitators for our renewed Conversations About Race (CAR) initiative. CAR are facilitated race-based conversations where students and colleagues from all backgrounds can share their experiences. The aim is to build community and enhance learning and understanding, to lead to genuine and sustained positive change based on listening, inclusion, empathy and respect. This training session will cover the structure, purpose and bounds of CAR, your role as a facilitator, and how you can hold the space to enable conversations to take place. You should leave the session equipped with some practical skills and tools for facilitation. To sign up, please email equality@rhul.ac.uk.
We invite Florence Ayisi, academic and filmmaker, for a screening of one of her documentaries, followed by a discussion of how she reclaims the narratives of her documentary subjects and herself. More information will be provided soon.
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