Standing Firm in Power and Pride
October can only mean one thing. Black History Month is once again being celebrated here at Kent and across the UK.
This year, the national Black History Month theme is Standing Firm in Power and Pride, and we invite you to explore the rich culture, origins, histories, and achievements of African and Caribbean communities and their diaspora.
The theme is a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe. We aim to highlight the profound contributions made by Black people, be they leaders, activists, or pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth. Here at Kent, we are committed to ensuring that all our students and staff, including our Black students and staff, have the best experience possible whilst they are with us.
Black History Month is an opportunity for us as a community to celebrate and recognise the myriad of ways in which Black people have contributed to the arts, science, culture, history and technology at Kent, in Britain and the wider world. It allows us to shine a spotlight on those achievements, and also provides a platform for staff and students to discuss and reflect on their own experiences. It is organised by a team of people that include the Global Majority Staff Network, the REMP Student Network and representatives.
A key highlight of the month is the Vision and Voices Student Festival, returning for its second year and featuring the Black Student Marketplace, panel discussions, performances and much more, as well as opportunities to find out more about what progress has been made since the completion of the Black Student Voices project and report.
You can find out about everything that is on offer on the BHM Website. These pages also include loads of recommended resources compiled by staff and students, from podcasts to e-magazines and covering a huge range of topics, there is sure to be something there that interests you. The Curiosity Hub and the BHM Reclaiming Narratives Reading Lists also include books, films and documentaries to discover. There are thoughts and reflections from staff and students across a range of topics, including Diversity Mark though the BHM Blog Post series.
You can explore the Black Student’s Guide to Kent which features tried and tested local services as recommended by Black students, from hairdressers to restaurants and shops, and find out more about the Student REMP Network, and nominate yourself or a friend to run for election as Chair this year. You can even access the Expect Respect training module.
It is important for us not to limit this celebration to just one month a year. That is why we have #Black365; a series of events and activities that take place throughout the year that continue the legacy of Black History Month. We know that we can and should be better and do better. Last year we were awarded Race Equality Charter Bronze Status by Advance HE in recognition of the work that we have undertaken, and continue to do to remove institutional and cultural barriers that stand in the way of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students belonging, growing and succeeding at Kent, and to help us grow and improve as an institution.
We really hope you explore and enjoy all the different events and activities that have been organised by staff and students for staff and students. We are always seeking to improve though, so if you have any ideas for the future, or feedback, please do get in contact with us on EqualityandDiversity@kent.ac.uk
Happy Black History Month 25!
#BHMKent25