As October begins, we mark the start of Black History Month here in the UK!  

It first started across the pond in the USA in 1976 to honour the achievements and accomplishments of Black Americans throughout American history and it’s been celebrated every February in America since. 
 
Just over a decade later in the UK in 1987, we adopted the month of October to celebrate Black History in response to community activism to challenge the Eurocentric version of history within schools and racism within British society. 

At LBSU, we always want to celebrate and empower our Black students, and this month there are loads of great events coming up to get involved in!

Watch Rocks with LBSU's Black History Month film screening 

Thursday 26 October, 6- 8.30pm

Join Silas, your Academic Experience Officer and the Leeds Beckett African Carribean Society, at The Hive for a Black History Month screening of the film Rocks. 

''Following her mother's abrupt departure, a dynamic and determined teen goes to extraordinary lengths to protect and provide for her younger brother.''

The dress code is cultural dress and black excellence. There's even a prize for the best dressed!

Hear from Yvonne Battle-Felton in Conversation

Wednesday 18 October, 5.30- 7.30pm  

Join Leeds Beckett University for an evening of reading and conversation with the critically acclaimed author Yvonne Battle-Felton, as part of their Black History Month programme of events. Come and hear Yvonne read from her work and discuss writing, the relationship between history and fiction, and the creative process! 

Dr Battle-Felton is the author of Remembered, a powerful historical novel exploring the legacies of slavery which was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction (2019) and shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize (2020). Battle-Felton is also a writer of fiction and non-fiction for children, including tales for the Ladybird Tales of Superheroes and Tales of Crowns and Thrones collections. 

You can find out more and reserve your free spot here. 

Go on a Leeds Black History Walk

Saturday 7 and 28 October, 11am  

Take this guided public walk and explore unseen ancient and local narratives with African connections right here in Leeds! These informative walks provide interesting perspectives, historical facts and will inspire you to reflect.  

The walks start from the University of Leeds in front of the Parkinson Building, Woodhouse Lane. During the 2 hour interactive walk you’ll hear about Nesyamun (the Leeds Mummy), the Queen of Sheba, Queen Hatshepsut, the Nubian Pharaohs, the Bangled Lady of York, Emperor Septimus Severus, Olaudah Equiano, Sarah Parker Remond, Prince Alamayu, Pablo Fanque, Wole Soyinka, David Oluwale, Arthur France MBE, RH Robert Nesta Marley, David Hamilton MBE and much more! 

Grab your tickets and find out more here. 

Laugh with COBO's Comedy Shutdown Black History Month Special

Sunday 8 October, 6- 8pm  

Get ready for a night of comedy that’s not only packed with jokes, but that also celebrates the vast array of comedic talent this Black History Month. 

Join COBO for their Black History Month special and a night of laughter with Michelle de Swarte (BBC, ITV), Trixx (Stand Up Comedian & Web Star From Toronto), Kat B (BBC, MTV), and Loyiso Gola (Live At The Apollo, Comedy Central)! 

You can find out more and book tickets here. 

Attend the Leeds Beckett Annual Race Lecture 

Tuesday 7 November, 6.15- 7.45pm

The University is hosting their Annual Race Lecture, ‘Resistance and Solidarity: We Matter’, on Tuesday 7 November, 6.15- 7.45pm. This year the lecture will highlight themes of Black Resistance, Saluting our Sisters and the We Matter movement while focusing on health and education. Th keynote presentation will be given by Professor Amaka Offiah from the University of Sheffield who will then join a panel discussion with Lara Rose and Olumide Ajulo, facilitated by Professor Sike Machold (Leeds Beckett). You can reserve your free tickets here.

 Join the Global Majority Students’ Community  

You can also join our Global Majority Students’ Community all year round where we empower Beckett students to come together and campaign for positive change on campus. The Community is free to join and gives you access to lots of resources as well as connects you with other students!  

You can find out more and join the Community here.  

Make sure you keep an eye on our social media channels and What’s On page for more info on events coming up throughout the month!