Each October marks Black History Month in the UK. Here’s a preview of how this important month is being highlighted at our University.
Each October is Black History Month (BHM) in the UK. BHM seeks to promote understanding and recognition of Black history, culture and heritage, while also celebrating the positive contributions of Black individuals to British society.
Black History Month 2024 will be marked in a number of ways at the University, addressing national themes as well as more local issues.
Reclaiming Narratives
This year, the theme for Black History Month in the UK is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, highlighting a commitment towards acknowledging and rectifying the stories of Black history and culture. By focussing on this theme, we can correct historical inaccuracies, showcase untold success stories, and celebrate the rich complexity of Black heritage. It’s about taking control of narratives, honouring heroes, and challenging the stories that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals in the UK and globally.
The University can play its role too in helping to inspire the next generation to Reclaim the Narrative. Higher education institutes can and should aim to provide a fresh perspective on Black history that extends beyond the traditional focus on slavery and civil rights to celebrate Black excellence in all its forms — whether in the arts, sciences, politics, or everyday life — and offer a platform to engage young minds in a meaningful and empowering way.
Tackling the Awarding Gap
One of our biggest challenges as a University is the Awarding Gap, which is the difference in the proportion of First or 2:1 degrees being awarded to different groups of students, particularly between students from a White background and students from a People of the Global Majority (PGM) background.
A number of initiatives are underway at the University to tackle the awarding gap, including raising its profile as many are unaware of the issues involved. As a result of this, we have made some great progress over the past year with the overall Black and White student awarding gap for the University reducing from 27 percent to 17 percent. This is a good step in the right direction but much more needs to be done.
All colleagues across the University need to take responsibility for continuing that journey of improvement in our awarding gaps. We must continue to talk more openly about this challenge. The more we talk about it, the more people will become aware and understand the issues involved and collectively take action. This is a big and complex challenge, but we are determined to keep closing the gap.
Black History Month university events
Get involved with Black History Month 2024 at the University of Portsmouth by joining us at the following events:
Nigerian Independence Day: Book reading and networking
Date: Tuesday 1 October
Time: 4.00pm to 6.00pm
Celebrate Nigerian Independence Day with a reading by a University Student of a Nigerian storybook from the "Outside In World Book Collection" from the UoP library. Connect with our Nigerian colleagues, students and wider community members. Learn more about the amazing collection of translated books and how you can access them. After the reading, why not have a rummage in the SPARK community shop and grab a drink and a cake in the pay-as-you-can cafe. Everyone is welcome.
UoP Black History Showcase
Date: Wednesday 2 October
Time: 1.00pm to 3.15pm
The Equity, Wellbeing & Inclusion team at the University is proud to present our first-ever Black History Showcase. A series of talks from colleagues and students.
Black History Month is a time for reflection, learning, and growth. It’s an opportunity to explore the profound impact that Black individuals have had on our world, from shaping our culture and society to driving forward the quest for justice and equality.
Our showcase aims to reclaim narratives and stories that may often go misunderstood, to challenge us to think critically about our history and to inspire us to continue working together towards a more inclusive future
Step Into Uganda
Date: Wednesday 9 October
Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Drop into the Common Room on the ground floor of the Students’ Union and join our Ugandan students and colleagues in celebrating Uganda Independence Day. A wonderful opportunity to learn more about Uganda, the country’s history and culture.
Nollywood Comedy Film Night @ Sparks
Date: Tuesday 15 October
Time: 4.30pm to 9.15pm
A great film, comfy seats, free refreshments and only a 5 minute walk from a Uni Bus stop, it will be a great night
Wear Red Day
Date: Friday 18 October
Show Racism the Red Card’s annual anti-racism day. Join people across the country in wearing red to show their support for anti-racism and raise awareness of the charity’s aims to change hearts, change minds and change lives through its education programme with children and young people across the UK.
Students and University staff can join us on the day by wearing red, taking a group photo and posting it on social media using the hashtag #WRD24UoP as well as the national hashtag #WRD24.
Soulful Celebration at The Union
Date: Thursday 24 October
Time: 12.00pm to 4.00pm
Location: The Union Building
Join us for Soulful Celebration, a vibrant Black History Month event filled with culture, community, and joy! Experience an afternoon of captivating dance performances from our Afro-Fusion student group and the uplifting sounds of a gospel choir. This family-friendly event is open to everyone, so bring your loved ones and celebrate together.
PGM Ambassadors Black History Month exhibition
Date: Monday 4 November,
At the University Library. More details to be published nearer the time.
If you are running an event for University students or colleagues you would like us to share, contact equality@port.ac.uk