Oxford Brookes University marks Black History Month 2020 with ambition and vibrant online events

Oxford Brookes University is proud to support the annual celebration of Black History Month throughout October 2020, by collaborating with community arts groups, schools, local authorities, voluntary organisations and businesses.

This will provide an array of virtual events to highlight the history, culture and achievements of Black Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.

This year's events, which will be streamed live on Zoom, also give an opportunity to reflect on what BAME inclusion means, especially during a year which has seen a global response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

One of the key themes of the month long event, is ambition. Lydiah Igweh, Chair of the BAME Staff Network at Oxford Brookes commented:

“In this momentous year in terms of Black History on a global scale, we hope the events, which are open to all, will provide inspiration and a chance to gain insights from a myriad of voices which are not always heard.

“We aim to provide long-lasting inspiration through those voices, in October and the months ahead.”

Professor Anne-Marie Kilday, Pro Vice-Chancellor Student and Staff Experience welcomes all to Black History Month 2020:

“Oxford Brookes is at the heart of the diversity conversation, by supporting a rich array of events that shine a light on Black history and culture.

I look forward to seeing students, staff and members of the community throughout the month of October, as we address questions about race, learn about stories of achievement against tough odds and enjoy high level performances.”

Black History Month 2020 is launched with a cultural Kick-Off event featuring Kuumba Nia Arts and Unlock the Chains Collective, with sounds of the mesmerizing West African Kora, plus dance, spoken word poetry and comedian Eddie Kadi, on 2 October.

Other highlights include: Professor Anne-Marie Kilday and Lydiah Igweh, joining forces for a Conversation on Race on 13 October and a talk titled Be Ambitious and Model Excellence, by Kanya King CBE, CEO and founder of The MOBO Awards, on 21 October.

The events are free and open to all. For more details, please see the Black History Month Events page on the Oxford Brookes website.

Pictured: Kanya King CBE, founder of the MOBO Awards