Black History Month 2023
Saluting our Sisters #WEMATTER
The celebration of Black History Month (BHM) takes place annually in October in the United Kingdom.
This year’s event focuses on acknowledging and commemorating the history, contributions, achievements, and resilience of Black people by focusing on Black women and icons who have made exceptional contributions to society over the years.
The theme for this year is “Celebrating our sisters, saluting our sisters and honouring matriarchs of movement”.
How we're celebrating in 2023
The Centre for Inclusion and Diversity (CfID) and the Union of Students (UBU) will be running a series of events during BHM which include:
Opening Ceremony
2nd October 2023 at 11 am
The opening ceremony will take place in the Richmond Building Atrium. Organised by the Students Union for all staff and students.
Fishbowl discussion with Middle Managers
16th October 2023
Fishbowl discussion between Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) staff and managers across Faculties and Professional Services.
Hate crime awareness - Pop-up events
17th & 18th October 2023
During Hate Crime Awareness week the Pop-up events will have information about hate crime reporting, raising awareness of the impacts of hate crime, engaging students and staff conversations about dignity and respect as well as promoting the University's new approach to report and support.
The pop-up stands will be at Richmond Atrium on the 17th and Student Central on the 18th.
Nigerian Society flag raising
2nd October 2023 at 2 pm
The flag raising ceremony will take place at the Peace Garden at the University of Bradford in celebration of Nigerian Independence day.
Intergenerational discussion - Black Female Professors & Black Students
25th October 2023
A discussion focusing around celebrating our Black Female leaders, and inspiring and supporting the future generation to achieve greater heights.
Read the profile of the panellists here.
Black History Month closing ceremony
31st October 2023
A celebration event to mark the end of the month with a showcase of true Black cultural heritage and talents. The event will have music, fashion, art show and food.
Further information and how to register will be available soon.
Students Union, Black History Month events 2023
The Black History Month BHM 2023 will focus on ‘Re-Telling the Black People Story’ through various events which include:
- Opening Event
- Black Start up Week
- TEDx / Panel Session
- Movie Nights
- Essay Competition
- Trips to Liverpool
- Closing/Grand Event: Music, Fashion and Art Show – This event will focus on the showcase of true black cultural heritage and talents
We will have further information about these events and details of how to register closer to October.
Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect, consider, and refocus on the priorities for improving the quality and safety of healthcare that is delivered to all, especially people from minoritized communities, or heritages who often inhabit multiple intersecting identities and are often marginalised. Dr Ray Samuriwo
Black History Month Reading List
The Black History Month reading list supports the 2023 theme Celebrating our sisters, saluting our sisters and honouring matriarchs of movement. The list highlights some of the resources available at JB Priestley Library in the following areas:
- Black Women's Lives and Achievements
- Black History
- Anti-racism
- Black Lives Matter
- Belonging, Identity and Literature
- Windrush
- Decolonisation of the university and curriculum.
We welcome additional suggestions to add to the list or buy for the library. Please email library@bradford.ac.uk with any suggestions.
Bradford District Black Health Needs Assessment
Bradford council are collaborating with the Black Health Forum on a health needs assessment survey for Black communities across Bradford district. They are keen to hear from Black communities with their thoughts and perspectives on factors that impact their health.
All responses are anonymous and no individuals will be identified.