The Black Lives Matter campaign has highlighted the difficulties that black people routinely face. In 2020, our Black History Month celebrations focused on the experiences of prominent and ordinary black people in the UK, and on what we can all do to build a better future.
Dr Jermaine Ravalier, Reader in Psychology, led our Black History Month celebrations in October 2020.
In 2020, the Black Lives Matter campaign brought the difficulties that Black people in the UK and overseas routinely face into sharp focus.
Our events and celebrations in 2020 were based on hearing the experiences of prominent and ordinary black people in the UK.
They also focused on what we can do across the country in varying industries (including sports, science, higher education, social work, and beyond) to improve conditions for black people.
Our Students' Union and GALA partners also hosted a variety of different events throughout the month.
Our BHM 2020 playlist
"Black children are more likely to live in poverty... Black students do worse in our education system. Black students make less progress in school between ages 11 and 16, meaning despite starting high school at a relatively similar level, they make much less progress than almost all other ethnicities. The same happens in Higher Education (Universities), where we perform less well despite having the same entering grades as our peers."
Dr Jermaine Ravalier, Reader in Work and Wellbeing, Psychology
Fairfield House is a cultural centre in Bath, with the important historical background of being the former residence of Ethiopian Emperor Haile I and family, and headquarters of the exiled Ethiopian Government, during Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia, 1936-1941.
We're proud to partner with Fairfield House on Black History Month and other initiatives. Fairfield House is home to Imperial Voice Radio, who are also partnering with us on Black History Month.
“At Fairfield House we believe Black History Month is vitally important, and every month at Fairfield is Black History Month. We believe that Black history is not just about the past that is beyond living memory, but also about the everyday. Black history is continually being made, and it is as important to tell the stories of the Black experience today, as those in the distant past. You all have stories to tell, and at Fairfield House and Imperial Radio we are passionate about those narratives being heard."
Dr Shawn Sobers, Fairfield House Trustee
