Black History Month 2025
Black History Month 2025: Standing Firm in Power and Pride
Bath Spa University is proud to welcome you back this October as we join together once again in celebration, reflection, and learning for Black History Month. This year’s theme is ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride.’
Celebrating Black History Month is about reflection, recognition, education, and unity.
Black History Month recognises the immeasurable contributions of Black individuals and communities across all areas of life, and the theme honours their strength and resilience. Standing Firm in Power and Pride brings forward the collective strength and courage of Black Folk, celebrates Black excellence and showcases cultural identity.
Black History Month is open to everyone in our university community of staff and students. Whether you identify as Black or not, we warmly encourage you take part; through listening, learning, and standing in solidarity.
By engaging with these events, we deepen our shared commitment to inclusion and allyship.
Please keep an eye on this page as we update it with details of our upcoming events. We look forward to welcoming you.
In conversation with Naomi and Natalie, founders of Everyday Racism
Monday 6 October, 12.30pm
Naomi and Natalie Evans are speakers, authors, educators, and award-winning influencers for their Instagram platform Everyday Racism, which serves as the largest anti-racism platform in the UK. They are making a powerful impact on the fight against racism.
Naomi and Natalie are sisters and natural communicators who draw upon their lived experience to drive the work they do. At the heart of their work is a commitment to empowering people to make a difference in the world. Naomi and Natalie believe that education and action are the fundamental routes to stopping social injustice.
Please join us online on 6 October at 12:30pm to learn more about their activism and platform, as well as learn about how to be an effective ally and understand the modern experiences of Black People. They will also be answering your questions on all things related.
This event is open to Staff and Students.
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Perception Gap by The Decolonial Salon (and post-show Q and A)
Wednesday 8 October. Performance begins at 6pm.
Michael Tippet Centre – Newton Park Campus
Perception Gap explores the psychological pressures faced by a refugee-outsider. This piece is accompanied by European classical paintings (12th to 19th century) featuring an immigrant.
Our traveller is confronted with difficult questions of allegiance: “Who am I becoming? What Do I stand for?”
There is a peril in the un-becoming of being a person from ‘here and there’. Will he survive by putting flesh on silences?
Created and Performed by Patrice Naiambana in collaboration with Kathryn Hunter
Patrice Naiambana is an African Performing Artist from Sierra Leone.
Kathryn Hunter is an actress and theatre director known for her work in physical theatre.
Afro-Caribbean Fabric Festival
Tuesday 14 October, Thursday 16 October 12:30pm-2pm
D108/Common Area, BSUL Campus
Join us in person for a creative arts and crafts workshop where you’ll design your very own tote bag using vibrant African and Caribbean fabrics. Explore bold patterns, rich colours and cultural styles while making something unique (and useful!) to take home.
Culture as Superpower: Creative Writing Workshop with Nadia Maddy
Wednesday 15 October, 2-4pm
Newton Park, Commons CM.121
Join BSU lecturer and novelist Nadia Maddy for a creative session exploring how heritage and culture shape the way we tell stories - often in ways we don't even realise. The session will include short creative exercises and group discussions, and could even kickstart your next creative writing project!
Open to all BSU staff and students.
Nadia is Course Leader for Health and Social Care Management at BSU London (Hackney). Her latest novel, Corpo Seco, was published last year.
Places are limited so please book your free place.
Beyond Resistance: The Power of Legacy, Innovation, and Future Vision in Black History
Thursday 16 October, 15:30 - 16:30
Online
You are warmly invited to join an inspirational Black History Month lecture hosted by Dr Emmanuel K. Nartey that celebrates brilliance, resilience, and the power of vision.
Drawing on the lives of both historic and contemporary trailblazers, from Mary Seacole and Nelson Mandela to Dr. Gladys West and Amanda Gorman, this lecture will highlight how Black excellence continues to shape leadership, science, culture, and the arts as well as showing how past and present achievements light the path towards future possibilities.
More than a reflection on the past, it is a forward-looking call for every listener to recognise their role as authors of the next chapter of history.
Whether you seek inspiration, motivation, or simply a deeper understanding of how history fuels tomorrow, this is a space to reflect, learn, and be empowered.
This event is open to all staff and students.
BHM Food Festival
Friday 24 October 12:30pm-2pm
Common Area, BSUL Campus
Come and experience the rich flavours of Africa and the Caribbean!
From savoury classics to sweet treats, this festival is a celebration of culture through food. Taste, explore, and enjoy dishes that bring the islands and the motherland to your plate.
HIM Haile Selassie Photo Unveiling
Wednesday 29 October, 2pm-3:30pm,
Main House, G17
The Organisational Partnerships team in conjunction with Fairfield House be unveiling a photo of Emperor Haile Selassie commemorate his visit to Newton Park and his time as a refugee in Bath. We will be in G17 (Main House for this).
This event is open for members of the Fairfield House community, plus student volunteers and staff who collaborate with Fairfield House, and will also be open to our wider staff and student body.
As spaces are limited, please contact Lauren White if you would like to attend this event - booking necessary.
Black History Month with the Library
All throughout October, 8am-10pm
The Library, Newton Park
Explore the diverse voices and stories of power and pride represented in the Library collection throughout Black History Month. Discover writers, artists, philosophers and others who have shaped and amplified Black experiences and perspectives.
Get started with our Race, Racism and Protest Reading List (list available in Library) or browse the curated displays in the Library foyer to learn more, reflect and engage with Black history and culture.
From Passion to Profession: Online Panel Event
Wednesday 26 November, 7pm
Online
Join us as our panel share inspirational stories about how they turned their passions into careers.
Through a live discussion, panellists will share how identity, creativity, and lived experience have shaped their professional paths, offering valuable insights to students and professionals.
The event will explore themes such as turning interests into a profession and navigating representation in the workplace with opportunities for audience Q&A and interactive engagement.