Reclaiming Narratives: celebrating Black history in October and beyond

Since 2020, the University has adopted a 365 approach to celebrating Black history, recognising that while Black History Month is a vital focus point to honour Black history, more needs to be done continuously to acknowledge the Black experience and celebrate Black excellence throughout the entire year. Canterbury Christ Church University was one of the first universities to undertake a year-long approach as part of its wider commitment to anti-racism.

Now in its fourth year of BH365, the University will be hosting events, activities, and initiatives to support this year’s Black History Month theme, Reclaiming Narratives. The theme is a call to the Black community to take ownership of how histories are told, and to shine a light on untold stories, unsung heroes and everyday individuals who have made an indelible impact on our communities. The University will be exploring this theme through events, activities and stories in Black History Month and beyond, including:

• Collaborating with the 10,000 Black Interns programme, which aims to transform the prospects of young Black people by offering access to paid internships, as well as world-class training and development. Students can register now, until the end of October.
• The University’s student leadership programme, Thrive: A Journey of Black Excellence, which empowers and inspires Black and Black Mixed Heritage students to learn about themselves and embrace their highest potential. Booking will open soon.

• Encouraging allies to speak up in solidarity through the University’s Allyship/IMATTER campaign, where allies can sign the Allyship pledge, learn how to be an impactful ally, and make a stand against racism.

• The University’s Library will be exploring the Black History Month’s Reclaiming Narratives theme through a book display at Augustine House Library, as well as a curated selection of online resources via the Libby app.

• A new Film Club at Curzon Westgate (run in collaboration with the Schools of Creative Arts & Industries and Humanities & Educational Studies) will be showing Till (2022, directed by Chinonye Chukwu) on Monday 7 October at 5.40pm, with a talk and discussion led by Dr Althea Legal-Miller, Senior Lecturer in American History and Culture.

• The Kent Police Race Action Plan Conference will be hosted by the University, in collaboration with the Canterbury Centre for Policing Research (CCPR). The conference will focus on communities, key stakeholders and the actions that Kent Police are taking to implement the Race Action Plan across Kent, to improve trust and confidence in policing among Black communities. Confirmed speakers include Andy George, President of the National Black Police Association. Wednesday 12 November, 6-8:30pm - book here.

• A series of talks and workshops will be run throughout the year – new events will be confirmed soon on our event pages.

As part of its commitment to anti-racism, the University encourages its entire community to realise their collective responsibility to stand against racism, call out discrimination, learn from the lived experiences of marginalised groups, and use their voice to promote racial equality within society. It works holistically across both people and processes, driving forward anti-racist initiatives and offering ongoing support and networks, including:

• The Closing Our Gap campaign, which seeks to support Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage, and Minoritised Ethnic students to succeed, through strong, focused leadership, decolonising the University’s curriculum, and implementing best practice initiatives.
• The Believe Achieve Empower peer mentoring programme has been uniquely designed for students that identify as Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage or Minoritised Ethnic, offering students the chance to connect and become part of a supportive community.
• Expect Respect is the University’s campaign to support all students and staff to be their true selves, protecting their right to live, work and study in a safe and supportive environment, free from discrimination, bullying or harassment of any form.
• The Report+Support tool provides staff and students a safe place to seek support and/or make an anonymous report of any incidents relating to hate, discrimination, harassment, bullying, and more.
• The BAME student network provides a space for Black, Asian, and Minoritised Ethnic students and staff to discuss, question, challenge, and act where necessary to promote race equality and diversity.
• The Global Majority staff network brings together professional and academic colleagues to create an inclusive work environment where colleagues can share experiences, develop a sense of belonging, and support each other.