Black History Month 2021 at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ features a richly diverse calendar of events celebrating the heritage, history, arts, culture and accomplishments of people across the African, Caribbean and South Asian diasporas in the UK.
Running throughout October, this year’s vibrant programme consists of a range of in-person events and activities taking place across campus and Leicester city centre, as well as online and hybrid events including panel discussions, lectures and interactive sessions.
Our dedicated Black History Month microsite contains a full run-down of what’s on, and you can also check out our Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Events calendar for details of how to book onto or access events. Both will continue to be updated throughout the season.
WATCH...
– Saturday 2 October, 6pm at St John’s Business Centre
Opal22 Arts and Edutainment presents Black Lives Film Night! Make sure to get your tickets as there are limited spaces available and this event isn’t one to be missed!
Enjoy the experience of watching not just one, but two films from the comfort of your car, with your food and drinks brought directly to you. It couldn’t be more convenient – you’ll get the sound straight through your Bluetooth. Alternatively, there will be a seated area for those without cars who can listen directly through their headphones.
"Karen" is the latest film to follow in the footsteps of "Get Out", and "Summer of Soul" is a critically acclaimed musical extravaganza.
Tickets are on sale now through . Watch the and now for a flavour of what the night will hold!
The event is presented by , funded by The Arts Council, and supported by the Stephen Lawrence Research Centre at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥.
DSU Cinema Night – Tuesday 5 and 26 October, 7pm in the DSU Function Rooms
Join us for two film nights to celebrate Black History Month, with inspiring films and of course, free popcorn! No bookings necessary - just come along. We'll be showing Black Panther on 5 October and Hidden Figures on 26 October.
Black History on Screen
We have collated a list of films and TV series that feature fantastic stories, actors and directors from the African, Caribbean and South Asian diasporas. There's a film for every day of the month, so keep a look out for themes including social justice, identity and the intersection of race, gender and sexuality.
A special emphasis has been put on Black British films and actors, as we display the best of what the UK has to offer. And with a genre for everyone – from comedy to horror and drama to science fiction – be sure to sit back, relax and enjoy the best of Black and South Asian film and TV!
TAKE PART IN PERSON...
Dance Sessions
To celebrate this year's Black History Season, Æß²ÊÖ±²¥sport is delivering three free dance style sessions, each inspired by one of the diasporas Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ is celebrating throughout the month.
If you're looking for a fun, free way to keep active and look after your wellbeing this October, make sure to sign up to one of the below sessions (or all three!):
- – Thursday 7 October, 5:30-6:30pm, Campus Centre Function Room 1: Through the evolution of traditional African dance styles and the creation of Afrobeat music comes Afrobeat Dance: an energetic, fun way to keep active and look after your wellbeing.
- – Thursday 21 October, 5:30-6:30pm, Campus Centre Function Room 1:
A dance fitness class combined with Soca and Calypso to bring a bit of the Caribbean islands and carnival to Æß²ÊÖ±²¥.
- – Thursday 28 October, 5:30-6:30pm, Campus Centre Function Room 1:
A fusion of dance styles from Bhangra to Hip-Hop, Bollywood dance is a fantastically fun way to keep active and gain a full body workout.
– CANCELLED
Unfortunately, due to facilities issues, this event has been postponed until a later date in the year.
We apologise for any convenience this may cause.
DSU Black Pride Drag Night – CANCELLED
Unfortunately, this event has been postponed until a later date in the year.
We apologise for any convenience this may cause.
Footprints in Time Exhibition by Aakash Odedra Company – Friday 1 October to Tuesday 16 November in the Atrium Space, Leicester Gallery, Vijay Patel Building
For over 10 years, Leicester-based Aakash Odedra Company has created award-winning dance performances for the international stage. Using the voice of the British-Asian experience, Aakash Odedra Company tells new stories about modern life. This exhibition celebrates the boundary-pushing dance works created and influenced by Artistic Director Aakash Odedra and the company he and producer Anand Bhatt founded in 2011.
JOIN ONLINE...
– Tuesday 5 October, 12-1pm via StreamYard
Diversity in the media – whether television, radio or print – remains central to quality reporting and ensuring a wide range of stories are heard and told. In this Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ panel event we will be speaking with former Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ students who are now working in the media, and taking a closer and more critical look at where the industry falls short on diversity and representation – and, in turn, how this may influence career prospects for aspiring media marvels. Featuring Aminata Kamara, Keimae-Ceann Blake and Gurvinder Aujla-Sidhu, with other panel members to be announced.
by Colour in Tech – Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21 October, online
Black Tech Fest is a movement that takes the form of a virtual three-day festival to celebrate Black culture, showcase innovation and create pathways for underrepresented talent. Click here for the .
– Friday 22 October, 12:30-1:30pm, online
Celebrating the successes of Black entrepreneurs in the UK as an inspiration for students, this event will look at the journey of several Black Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ alumni entrepreneurs and the impact they have had on society.
Join us for a panel discussion with Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ alumni Felix Ochefu, Daniel Nyirenda and Shafiq Mohamed, and University of Portsmouth alumnus Kennedy Assoumou, all of whom are Co-Founders of IdeasLab Global.
– Thursday 28 October, 12-1pm via StreamYard
Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ is proud to be working towards becoming an anti-racist university. During Black History Season 2021 we will launch our anti-racism lectures, which will discuss topics such as 'What is anti-racism work?', 'Intersectionality' and 'Decolonising the curriculum'. These talks will enable students and staff to learn, ask questions and be part of Æß²ÊÖ±²¥'s changing culture.
The first lecture of the series – Dealing with Microaggressions – will be led by Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ lecturer Dr Tolulope Eboka, whose research focuses on criminalisation, marginalisation, culture, gender, race and social justice. Following Dr Eboka's lecture, there will be a panel discussion about the topic with Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ staff.
The anti-racism series will partner with Decolonising Æß²ÊÖ±²¥, the BAME Staff Network and LLS, with lectures running throughout the academic year.
READ...
Celebrating Black British Books
Join us this October for a celebration and exploration of Black British literature. Each week we will be featuring three diverse and inspiring works – one fiction, one non-fiction and one poetry – by British authors, writers and journalists of African, Caribbean and South Asian heritage on our dedicated microsite. A wider list of recommended works will also be available for further reading.
We're excited to announce that alongside this, newly-opened independent bookshop Fox Books (St. Martin's Square, Leicester) will be offering a 10% discount on all purchases made by Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ staff and students throughout October 2021. A display of books by Black British authors will also be featured in store over the course of the month. Mention the discount when making purchases in person, or use the code Æß²ÊÖ±²¥10 to redeem your discount when making purchases through the .
Æß²ÊÖ±²¥'s Library and Learning Services will also be supporting with a display of recommended titles.
EAT...
Student Cookalong – Monday 25 October, 9-11:30am, judging in the DSU Diner
Food can connect people across cultures! This student cookalong provides an opportunity for Black and South Asian students to showcase traditional food and flavours on film, explaining why each dish is important to their culture and heritage. You will see our student chefs cooking up some family favourites!
Get involved in the Instagram fun, enter our foodie competitions and bag yourself a free food kit to make an authentic meal at home.
Ten Top Leicester Eating Experiences
One of the best ways to experience another culture is through food! That's why we've come up with ten of our top local restaurants and takeaways for Black and South Asian cuisine, all based on personal recommendations from our staff.
With a mouth-watering list of options – including Caribbean, Indian 'create your own' and Asian fusion – we encourage you to eat your way around Leicester this October!
Posted on Wednesday 13 October 2021