Join us in celebrating Black History Month 2025

This October, the University marks the important occasion of Black History Month under the powerful theme: “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.” This theme calls us to honour the resilience, leadership, and cultural richness of Black communities, celebrating their vital contributions to history, society, and the arts, while reflecting on legacies that continue to shape our collective future.
At its heart, the theme centres on two foundational values:
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Power: Found not just in titles or positions, but in the collective strength, courage, and unity that drive change. It celebrates the visionaries, activists, educators, artists, and leaders who have broken barriers and led movements for justice, equity, and progress.
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Pride: A deep connection to heritage, identity, and excellence, expressed through music, art, storytelling, and lived experiences passed down through generations. It’s about embracing history unapologetically and walking boldly into the future.
The University is committed to recognising and amplifying these voices through a rich and varied programme of events, thoughtfully curated to inspire reflection, spark meaningful conversations, and strengthen our sense of community, both on campus and online via Teams.
Please see below for key highlights.
Online events
Date |
Activity |
Time |
Online – via Teams link below |
01 October |
Launch event with Ada Adeghe Standing Firm in Power and Pride |
9.30 am - 10.00 am |
|
01 October |
Intersectionality panel discussion Chair: Dr Juliet Drummond Lynnesia Brooks (Women's Network) Liesje Dusauzay (Sparkle Sheffield) Ikenna Okeke (Student Union) Nysha Givans (Student) |
10.00 am -11.00 am |
|
01 October |
Nysha Givans Black and Working Class: Where is the representation |
11.00 am – 11.30 am |
|
01 October |
Neurodiversity - Lived experience Dionne Ifill and Dana-Marice Xavier |
11.30 am - 12.00 pm |
|
01 October |
Sparkle Sheffield (West Midlands) |
12.00 pm - 12.30 pm | Black History Month Opening event |
22 October |
Lightning Talks
|
12.00 pm - 1.30 pm
|
Events at City Campus
Date |
Activity |
Location |
Time |
Wednesday 8 October |
The power of poetry workshop Tracy Lapworth |
Community Hub, Alan Turing Building |
2.00 pm - 4.00 pm |
Tuesday 14 October |
Social kitchen - Afro Caribbean cuisine Jerk Chicken, or Caribbean vegetable curry, served with rice n' peas or sweet potato fries |
MC - Millennium City Courtyard Kitchen |
Lunchtime |
Tuesday 14 October |
SU Black History Month Celebration Music, Movies and Panel Discussion |
Luna lounge Student Union |
4.30 pm -8.00 pm |
Friday 17 October |
Book Club Bring a book for discussion |
Students Union Bar |
10.00 am - 12.00 pm |
23 October |
Social Kitchen - Afro Caribbean cuisine African peppered chicken, or West African peanut stew (v), served with joloff rice or sweet potato fries |
MC - Millennium City, Courtyard Kitchen |
Lunchtime |
24 October |
Diamond Art and Acrylic Painting -Drop-in |
Community Hub, Alan Turing Building |
10.00 am - 2.00 pm |
28 October |
Zine workshop Snacks and supplies provided |
Harrison Library |
12.00 pm - 2.00 pm |
Events at Walsall Campus
Date |
Activity |
Location |
Time |
14 October |
Book Club Bring a book for discussion |
Students’ Union Bar |
1.00 pm - 3.00 pm |
16 October |
Zine workshop Snacks and supplies provided |
Walsall Library |
1.00 pm - 3.00 pm |
20 October |
Diamond Art and Acrylic Painting Drop-in |
WN010 - The Samuel Johnson Building |
12.00 pm - 2.00 pm |
A full schedule of activities will run throughout the month. Check the University's Black History Month events webpage for details.
For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.