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Join us in celebrating Black History Month 2025

28/09/2025
Join us in celebrating Black History Month 2025 graphic

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:

  • 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.

  • 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

Black History Month Opening event 

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

Black History Month Opening event 

01 October

Nysha Givans

Black and Working Class: Where is the representation

11.00 am – 11.30 am

Black History Month Opening event

01 October

Neurodiversity - Lived experience

Dionne Ifill and Dana-Marice Xavier

11.30 am - 12.00 pm

Black History Month Opening event

01 October

Sparkle Sheffield (West Midlands)
Liesje Dusauzay 

12.00 pm - 12.30 pm Black History Month Opening event

22 October

Lightning Talks

 

12.00 pm - 1.30 pm

 

Lightening Talks

 

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
Explore self-expression and storytelling through the art of zine-making

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
Explore self-expression and storytelling through the art of zine-making

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.