University of Sheffield: University celebrates Black History Month 2022

Black History Month is a time when our staff, students and the wider community celebrate Black culture and the contributions Black people have made to society today.

Throughout October, events are taking place and experiences and histories are being shared to commemorate Black History Month in the UK.

Mohammad Rajjaque, Chair of the Staff Race Equality Network at the University of Sheffield, said: “Black History Month for us is an occasion to recognise and celebrate the wisdom, legacy and achievements of our Black community across the world. It is a powerful reminder of their historical and unfortunately still ongoing struggle to break down the walls and barriers erected around them.

“This is a very important catalyst to stimulate our feelings and words into direct action to make this world a better and equal place for everyone.”

Amaka Offiah, Faculty Director of Welleing, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion from the University of Sheffield’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, said: “Black history month is a time when we collectively focus on the courage and sacrifice of those who have struggled before us that we might have the successes we enjoy today; when we focus on our own struggles to achieve equity for people from minority ethnic backgrounds; and when we focus on the future successes we dream of for our children.

“However, let us not be misled into a state of false security. Let us remember that the focus should not only be during the month of October. The focus on Black history should be every day, every month and every year until the equity that ethnic minorities ought to have, is achieved and sustained.”

If you fancy joining the conversation or getting involved in this year’s events, then here’s our selection of what’s happening online and in person near you and across the UK.