October is Black History Month, a time when the achievements, culture and struggles of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) people are recognised and celebrated throughout the country.
2017 is a particularly important year as it marks the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in the UK, highlighting how the BME community are still fighting for equal rights.
Manchester Metropolitan University’s Race Staff Forum is set to celebrate this year’s Black History Month with a series of events held in partnership with the university’s African Caribbean Society.
Equality & Diversity Co-ordinator Lydia Lancaster said, “Manchester Metropolitan University reflects the great cultural and ethnic diversity of the city of Manchester, with over 20% of our staff and a quarter of our students describing their ethnicity as BME. Manchester Met is committed to ensuring that all staff and students are treated fairly and are able to work and study in an inclusive environment, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background, religion or belief (including lack of belief).”
Events planned to celebrate Black History Month at Manchester Met include:
Film screening of Partition 1947 | Geoffrey Manton Building
Tuesday 24th October, 4pm-6pm | Book tickets
Partition 1947 is a British-Indian historical drama film directed by Gurinder Chadha, released to mark the 70th anniversary of India’s independence from British rule. The movie attempts to tell us the untold story behind Partition.
Film screening of The Stuart Hall Project | Geoffrey Manton Building
Wednesday 25th October, 4pm-6pm | Book tickets
The Stuart Hall Project is a 2013 British film written and directed by John Akomfrah that focusses on cultural theorist Stuart Hall. Hall is regarded as one of the founding figures of the New Left and a key architect of Cultural Studies in Britain.
Film screening of The Hounding Of David Oluwale | Geoffrey Manton Building
Thursday 26th October, 4pm-6pm | Book tickets
This film tells the story of the death of David Oluwale, a British Nigerian who drowned in a river in West Yorkshire in 1969. The events leading to his drowning have been described as “the physical and psychological destruction of a homeless black man whose brutal, systematic harassment was orchestrated by the Leeds city police force.” Oluwale’s death resulted in the first successful prosecution of British police officers for involvement in the death of a Black person.
Slam Poetry Evening| Conference Suite, The Union
Friday 27th October, 5pm-9pm | More information
An evening of spoken word, sharing a wealth of talent and giving insight into African Caribbean culture hosted by the African Caribbean Society.
All Manchester Met staff and students are welcome at the events. For more information, email Equalities@mmu.ac.uk or visit the Union website.
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