“If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world”
Celebrating Black History Month
with City Students’ Union
As the Vice-President of Activities and Development, I believe this month is supposed to be a time when we emphasize the importance of black participation and experience throughout history. However, Black History Month should not be used as an excuse to forget about Black History for the other 11 months of the year.
I think back over British history looking at extraordinary legacies of Black Diaspora communities, whose contributions have transformed the political, economic and cultural landscape of this country for better. There is yet to be so much done, given the levels of hate, prejudice and discrimination persist.
Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month in USA, is an annual observance in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and in the Netherlands (as of 2016) where it is known as Black Achievement Month.
The aims of Black History Month are to remember important people and events in the history of the African Diaspora. Black History Month is essential to promote knowledge of Black history, culture and heritage while disseminating information on positive Black contributions to British Society.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson said: “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world”.
I will work in conjunction with other Sabbatical Officers, BME Officer and Societies to put together an amazing programme of activities to celebrate Black History Month with a range of events from external speaker talks to film screenings.
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Why haven’t Universities done enough? External Speaker Event
Monday 16th October, 5.30pm, ELG03 Drysdale Building
Refreshments from 5:30, with the disussion from 6:00pm prompt
Black Students are 21.5% less likely to get a first class degree at City, University of London, and we're discussing why this is.
Pannelists include:
Shakira Martin, President 2017/18, National Union of Students
Dr Jessica Jones Nielsen, Associate Dean (People & Culture), City, University of London
Anna-Noemie Ouattara-Boni, Black and Minority Ethnic Officer, City Students’ Union
Come listen & ask questions to a panel of experts who will be discussing the black attainment gap and what they think should be done.
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Zulkaif Riaz
Vice-President Activities & Development, City Students’ Union