This year, we’re changing the conversation and celebrating black history month as black “futures” month! This means, instead of just looking back, we’re also placing an importance on looking towards a future free from the inequality and racial discrimination that has been the bane of the black community.

The UK theme for Black History Month this year is ‘Time for change: Actions not Words’ and by putting more emphasis on creating a better future, things like black excellence or black joy could be a bigger part of black communities.

That’s why the SU team and I are putting on some great events and showcases to bring up practical ways in which members of the black community can take up space.

This coming week, we’ve completely taken over the SU weekly film night to show black people taking up space on the big screen and we’re kicking things off with Black Panther, ahead of the second release next month! We’re also exploring black art and creativity in our sip and paint session. Throughout this month we have amazing events and activities such as the Bashment Vs Afrobeats night at CityBar, The Wall of Black Excellence to show what it means to be black and excellent, a black entrepreneurship panel & pitching event and even an Exhibition!

Though we’re looking towards the future, it is also necessary to look at our history to reflect and never forget. So in the course of the month we will also celebrate those who have contributed to the elevation of the black society, specifically focussing on the liberation movement here in the UK. We also encourage everyone to speak up against racial injustice and call on this educational community to be more aware of unconscious bias, covert racism and microaggression, which can sometimes run rife in professional and academic spaces. It is important to remember that City University is in the forefront in the fight for equity, diversity and inclusion.

So come, join us this month as we celebrate Black Futures Month like never before, not by ignoring our past but turning our face towards what’s to come!