Tomorrow (31 October) marks the end of this year’s Black History Month and throughout October, across the University and the Students’ Union, there has been a range of events and activities in celebration. These events have enabled us to highlight existing initiatives, as well as initiate and support conversations and action around race equality - ensuring we continue to build a culture that recognises and celebrates difference.
As a University, we updated our logo during October using the official colours of Black History Month, which are black, red, yellow and green – also known as the Pan African colours.
More information on the events which took place during Black History Month can be found on the student intranet here.
Highlights included a virtual conversation with I. Stephanie Boyce, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, which was attended by 90 students and staff from across the University. The Law Society was formed in 1825, and in March 2021 Stephanie made history by becoming the 177th president, the sixth female and the first black person to be elected to the role. Anti-racism activist, Maia Thomas joined us in the Shilling Lecture Theatre for a talk and Q&A. Maia shared her experience as a young black woman in South West England, touching on the barriers she faced and how she became a leading Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, expert and anti-racism activist.
At Royal Holloway, we value race equality and know that our community is strengthened when we share perspectives, listen to the lived experiences of our friends, and the people we study and work with, and seek to support and learn from one another.
The university has developed a new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Calendar, focusing on different themes where events will provide opportunities for you all to engage with, and celebrate different aspects of our diverse society.
Thank you for getting involved and I look forward to celebrating our diversity with you in the future at different events.
Professor Tracy Bhamra,
Senior Vice-Principal (Student and Staff Experience)
Chair of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.