Black History Month

Picture shows digitalised portraits of diverse black and brown faces

Black History Month

Every October, Black History Month is celebrated across the world, with all being invited to explore the rich culture, origins, histories, and achievements of African and Caribbean communities and their diaspora.

Reclaiming Narratives

#BHM24

This year the theme is Reclaiming Narratives. This theme is not just about revisiting history; it’s about taking ownership of the stories that define Black culture, Black contributions, and Black identity.

It’s a call to action for Black communities across the UK and here at Kent to step into the role of storytellers, historians, and custodians of Black heritage. For far too long, Black histories have been narrated by others, leading to distorted portrayals that fail to capture the full breadth and depth of Black experiences.

BHM Exhibition

Orí Series II (WS)

Nigerian-born, Rochester-based visual artist Abolore Sobayo returns to the University of Kent with his new exhibition, celebrating the life and works of Wole Soyinka, the first Nobel Laureate in Africa.

Keynes College. All month.

Learn more
Image from the Ori Series

Reclaiming Narratives: Finding Black History in the Archives

Join the team in Special Collections and Archives for a workshop exploring black history in the University’s archive and book collections.

In this workshop you will learn more about the University’s special collections, and have the opportunity to view some of the archive collections that highlight aspects of black history. Workshop participants will learn archive research techniques, and be able to participate in our ongoing work to reveal and showcase the stories and experiences of people of colour that feature in our archive collections.

Check out the link for more information

Read more
Newspaper clipping image

BHM 24 Events and Activities

Explore the exciting range of activities we have on at Kent for Black History Month 2024 around the theme of Reclaiming Narratives.  

BHM Reading Lists and Resources

Explore the extensive collection of BHM books, films, podcasts, TV shows, documentaries and blogs recommended and curated by our Kent staff and students

#Black365

The #Black365 campaign aims to ensure that events, talks, activities, exhibitions and anything that celebrates and shines a spotlight on Black excellence and achievement is promoted and celebrated all year long, not just in October.  

October launches our Caribbean Creations series. Staff and students are invited to showcase their Caribbean heritage inspirations and heroes. These can be individuals from the worlds of politics, food, literature, academia, sport, music, art, science or friends and family. Submit your short piece and picture (written or filmed) about your hero by the end of October. All entries will be showcased as part of the #Black365 campaign after Christmas.

Black Student Voices

Black Student Voices was a Kent Students' Union research project led by students to amplify and create change for Black students at Kent.

The researchers looked at all areas of the University experience including academia, wellbeing, and community. See the findings and progress. 

Student groups

There are over 250 student groups you can join at Kent Union. These include cultural, campaign and faith groups. See all student groups.

Living Black at Uni

In response to Unite's report on Black university students' experiences in UK student accommodation, a working group was set up to improve the experience of Black students at Kent.

The Black student Guide to Kent was created based on recommendations from current Black students and staff, aiming to assist new Black students in settling into university by highlighting local services and businesses.

Challenging Racism

At Kent, we strive to ensure that the work we undertake to building a truly anti-racist institution isn't just confined to a single month. Find out more about everything we are doing to Challenge Racism and deliver our anti-racist strategy  on our Challenging Racism webpages.

Race Equality Charter

Did you know that Kent was a member of the Advance HE Race Equality Charter? In August 2024 we submitted our application for Bronze status. Watch this space as we will find out if we were successful in autumn 2024!

Celebrating Black students, staff and alumni

We are immensely proud of all our Black students, staff and alumni and enjoy showcasing their achievements.  

Watch video

Blogs

This series of #KNOWLEDGESHIFT blog posts by Dr Yetunde Kolajo celebrate different elements of Black Culture.

Black Hair

Black Hair
Hair holds significant cultural value in African communities, particularly for Black girls and women.

Higher Education

Higher Education
Dr Yetunde Kolajo looks at the underrepresentation of Black women in academia.

Talking Drums

Talking Drums
Dr Yetunde Kolajo explores the importance of music and drums in Black culture.

Food

Food
Dr Yetunde Kolajo explores signature recipes from Black culture.

Diversity Mark "My Story" blogs

A series of reflections by Student Success Diversity Mark Officers

Black History Month and your wellbeing

Black History Month can be a time of celebration, but also highlights injustices, past and present. The increased awareness of racism during Black History Month can be challenging. For some, this month may:

  • Reinforce awareness about inequality.
  • Surface painful memories about encountering racism.

You're not alone. Joining a society or network could give you a safe space to be heard and reminds you that you are not alone.  

It's not your responsibility to fix racism. Do not put too much pressure on yourself – this is a problem you cannot solve on your own.

The people around you all have a responsibility to make changes to their behaviour.

Use our online reporting tool ‘Report and Support’ to be part of a culture shift and get the support you need.  

Student Support and Wellbeing have a free confidential counselling service. 

Report + Support
Student Support and Wellbeing