Black History Month 2021

Bath Spa University, the Global Inclusivity Network, and Bath Spa University Students' Union are hosting a series of events throughout October to celebrate Black History Month.

Events throughout the month will focus on this year's theme of "Proud to Be" and will include talks from public figures, discussion panels and celebrations of student talent with an art exhibition and music night.

Events

All events are free to attend but for some you will need to register your attendance beforehand. Please follow the ticket links below to book your place.

Femi Oluwole – Talk and Q&A

Weds 6 October 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Femi Oluwole is a passionate political activist and campaigner against Brexit. He is co-founder of the pro-EU group Our Future Our Choice, and regularly appears on Jeremy Vine, Good Morning Britain, LBC, and writes for The Independent, The Guardian, and the Metro amongst others. Femi spoke about the current state of political discourse, and what needs to be done to fix the system.

South West Black History Month Conference 2021

Mon 11 October 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Bath Spa University partnered with a number of organisations across the South West to bring you the Black History Month 2021 Conference. We heard from four speakers throughout the afternoon on this year's theme, "Proud To Be":

• David Olusoga: Black and British, Past Present and Future.
• June Sarpong: Turning the tide, Black people in the media and the workplace.
• The Rt Hon Stuart Lawrence: Silence is not an option.
• Anton Ferdinand: Why we kneel.

Mental Health among the Black Student Community: A discussion hosted by Oge Obioha, co-founder of Minds of People of Colour

Weds 13 October 4:00pm - 6:00pm

This session explored Black identity at university, strength and vulnerability, as well as how to support your Black friends and peers. The aim was to empower students with the tools to recognise and identify Black trauma, and healthy ways to navigate this through the violence presented during your years in Higher Education. Oge Obioha is one of the co-founders of Minds of POC, a consultancy service focused on improving mental health services for people of colour.

This event was hosted online.

In conversation with: Dr Ronx

Fri 22 October 2:00pm -3:00pm

Dr Ronx is an A&E doctor, who describes themself as a queer, black, androgynous intersectional feminist. Having had a difficult upbringing, they are passionate about sharing their story and inspiring young people from similar backgrounds. Following their motto of "you cannot be what you cannot see", they have gone onto present CBBC's Operation Ouch, as well as present a number of investigative documentaries including Channel 4's Is Covid Racist? and Are Women the Fitter Sex?

This talk was held at Locksbrook campus and online.

Art Exhibition at Locksbrook Campus

Mon 25 - Fri 29 October

This exhibition on The Street at Locksbrook Campus showcased the art and stories of Black artists at Bath Spa, and celebrated the wonderful work of our students. 

Making a Change with Sasha Langeveldt

Tues 26 October 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Jasmine Smail (Students' Union VP Education) and Siân Bentley (Students' Union VP Welfare and Community) will be joined by former Kent Union President Sasha Langeveldt to discuss being a student leader, inspiring students, environmental activism, and making big changes during your time at university.

This event was hosted online.

George the Poet Live

Tues 26 October 7:00pm - 8:00pm

A poet, spoken word artist and podcast host, George spent the 2010s making poetry cool again, and bringing his work to the forefront of the modern spoken word scene. Focusing on culture, politics and a platform of active social change, George has worked to bring his unique and emotive stylings to a range of audiences across the globe.

George The Poet will be joining us for a poetry reading with commentary, interview and Q&A. We'll be inviting questions in advance, so make sure to book your ticket now.

This event was hosted online.

Paul Mendez – Book reading and Q&A

Thurs 28 October 6:00pm - 7:00pm

The University of Bath Library and B&NES Council present an online event with Paul Mendez, author of the highly praised novel Rainbow Milk, in conversation with Professor Rajani Naidoo. Discussions will revolve around Paul’s debut novel Rainbow Milk; the politically, socially and culturally relevant topics and themes featured in the book; and some insight into Paul’s inspiration and writing process. There will also be a short reading from the book, and a section dedicated to audience questions.

This event was hosted online.

How to Build a Healthy Brain with Kimberley Wilson

Fri 29 October 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Kimberley Wilson is a former finalist on the Great British Bake Off, chartered psychologist, author, and award-winning food producer. In this talk and Q&A she'll be discussing her new book How to Build a Healthy Brain. Drawing on the latest clinical evidence, Kimberley offers a timely guide to protecting long-term brain health. With the additional stress of the pandemic, actively protecting our brains has never been more important. Hear how lifestyle habits can make a difference, discover the science underpinning them, and get practical advice to use straight away.

This event was hosted online.

Music Night at the Students' Union

Fri 29 October 7:00pm

Celebrate the end of Black History Month with a playlist takeover of Black artists in the Students' Union Bar, Newton Park.

Union Black: Britain’s Black cultures and steps to anti-racism

Throughout October and November, we’re encouraging all students and staff who are interested in learning more about Black British history and becoming actively anti-racist, to take part in a new online learning course from Santander Universities UK and The Open University.

• Free to attend
• Designed for a multicultural audience, no prior knowledge required
• Open now until 3 December
• Designed to be six hours over three weeks, but you can complete at your own pace before the course closes
• Mix of videos, text, and articles, with lots of opportunity for reflection and discussion throughout

Enrol on the Santander Universities website to be sent login details.