'Reclaiming narratives' for Black History Month 2024

LJMU: A place where our differences are celebrated

As we mark Black History Month in the UK this October, our Associate Director for Diversity and Inclusion, Moni Akinsanya, shares her thoughts on celebrating this year’s theme while reflecting on recent events over the summer months.

This October is Black History Month and it is important to reflect on how we can create a stronger sense of belonging and mattering for everyone in our university community. This year's theme, ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, encourages us to take control of our stories, showcase the contributions of Black people, and confront the challenges that still impact ethnically diverse communities today.

At LJMU, we believe that every person of every race matters. Whether you're here to study or work, you should not have to worry about your skin colour or race impacting your experience. However, recent events in the UK, outside of our campus, remind us that there is still much more progress to be made.

The recent riots in the UK, which erupted in response to the tragic deaths of three young girls in Southport, deeply shook our communities. Ethnic minorities, from Muslim, Black and Brown communities were disproportionately targeted in the aftermath, forcing many into self-imposed lockdowns.

For some ethnically diverse individuals, the unrest effectively ended their summer holidays, as fear took hold and many community places of safety, including mosques and local libraries, were targeted. While many of our colleagues and students returned to university after a peaceful break, exchanging questions such as, "How was your summer?" or "Did you go anywhere nice?" Many from ethnically diverse backgrounds were left pretending that things were fine. In reality, they had to cancel holidays, avoided travelling, and lived in fear of racial abuse. 

As children returned to school last month, the worry of discrimination, bullying and racism are all too real for their parents. These incidents serve as a reminder that racism is still a reality in our country, despite the progress we have made.

As we return to university for the 2024/2025 academic year, it is essential that we cultivate an environment of care and solidarity. Instead of the usual casual questions, a more thoughtful approach might be, “How are you? I hope you’re doing okay. Were you able to go on holiday despite the unrest?”

Such an approach demonstrates awareness, empathy, and a recognition of the challenges that some of our colleagues and peers have faced. It also reinforces the supportive community, that we at LJMU pride ourselves on being.

Here at LJMU, we have a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination. We strive to create a space where everyone, regardless of race or background, can feel safe, supported, and seen. This commitment to diversity and inclusion and our Respect Always Charter is fundamental to our values and should extend to how we engage with one another in times of crisis and peace alike.

At a recent Diversity and Inclusion event, Andrea Ku, Director of B4 Biodiversity, shared findings from a recent study on bee colonies. While bees live in solidarity and harmony, each play a vital role that contributes to the collective. Imagine the possibilities for our university community if we as humans can learn from nature, living in unity and supporting one another.

Black History Month 2024 is a time to recognise and celebrate

Black History Month is an important part of the British calendar. It is a time to recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black people in our country. From arts and culture to politics, sports, and education, Black individuals have shaped our society in countless ways. This month, we reclaim our narratives. Our stories are not just tales of hardship and struggle; they are about resilience, determination, and excellence in the face of adversity and racism.

Let us take this month as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to unity, understanding, and inclusivity. Together, we can build a university where everyone feels like they belong, and where every race and every individual are valued. Let’s continue the work of reclaiming our narratives, supporting one another, and creating a future where everyone can thrive without fear or prejudice. Let’s move forward in unity!

Find out more about Black History Month

You can find out more about Black History Month and this year’s ‘reclaiming narratives’ theme on the Black History Month website.

Get involved with Black History Month events at LJMU

Confronting Racism’s Impact on Black Health in the Past and Present

Wednesday 2 October, 12.15am to 4pm

Students and staff are invited to join this workshop event which aims to celebrate the work carried out by the creative artists and workshop participants on the Black Maternal Health Project that is ongoing in Liverpool. As part of this, the workshop leads and participants will launch a leaflet aimed for NHS antenatal waiting rooms in support of Black mothers. This work was based around the use of historical source material relating to Black midwives to discuss changes and continuities in Black maternal healthcare. The event is being delivered by The Race and Critical Health Humanities Network, which was established by academics at Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool, to encourage collaboration and foster dialogue between Liverpool institutions and healthcare providers. Find out more and register.

Student Futures: Networking Coffee Morning for Ethically Diverse Students.

Monday 7 October, 10am to 12noon, Student Life Building, UG.15

Ethnically diverse students are invited to join the Student Futures team to explore career opportunities and connect with industry professionals. The sessions will include Speed Mentoring sessions, interactive activities, and career resources and networking opportunities with fellow students and career experts. A second networking session will also be held on Tuesday 22 October (see below). Find out more and register.

Creative Intercultural and Mother Tongue Workshop

Thursday 10 October, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Student Life Building, Room 3.04

Open to students and staff this workshop is an opportunity to create culturally rich poems and explore languages, with the guidance of creative tutors from The Windows Project. Mother Tongue Game Workshop – Writing Tutors will guide participants through the Mother tongue game to create poems combining languages from Black cultures as groups or individually. The game encourages participants to connect with their roots and express themselves in languages they might speak at home. There are a choice of two dates to take part in the workshop. Register for the workshop here.

Student Futures: Networking Coffee Morning for Ethically Diverse Students.

Tuesday 22 October, 10am to 12noon, Byrom Street Careers Zone

Ethnically diverse students are invited to join the Student Futures team to explore career opportunities and connect with industry professionals. The sessions will include Speed Mentoring sessions, interactive activities, and career resources and networking opportunities with fellow students and career experts. Find out more and register.

Liverpool Commonwealth Association Lecture

Tuesday 22 October, 5.30pm, Liverpool John Moores University, Johnson Foundation Auditorium, 2 Duckinfield Street, Liverpool

Students and staff are invited to the Liverpool Commonwealth Associate 2024 Commonwealth Lecture. This year’s theme is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth. The lecture will be delivered by HE Dr Justina Mutale, globally acclaimed as one of the most influential and inspirational African women. Also featuring, author, poet and, academic Dr Malik Al Nasir. Find out more and register for the event.

Creative Intercultural and Art Workshop

Thursday 24 October, 1.30pm to 3pm, Student Life Building, Room 3.04

Students and staff are invited to create culturally rich poems and artwork with the guidance of creative tutors from The Windows Project. Inspired Art Workshop – Using inspiration from the poems created in the previous workshop before artwork will be created, there will be creative freedom for workshop facilitators and participants. Register for the workshop here.

Hosting a Black History Month event?

If you’re hosting a Black History Month event at LJMU then let us know. Please get in contact with press@ljmu.ac.uk and equality@ljmu.ac.uk