As we continue to work towards promoting racial equity in Higher Education, Black History Month provides us with an opportunity to pause, reflect and build collective solidarity.
This year the national theme for Black History is Time for Change: Action Not Words. Tackling racial inequality is a collective action and as such we encourage everyone to get involved.
How we can take action together:
- Check out and support the Black History 365 programme - we believe that the Black community should be celebrated and appreciated throughout the year and not just in the month of October. So, we continue to be committed to delivering an all year around Black History 365 programme.
- Pledge to be an Ally – to show your commitment to tackling racism and working towards a society in which our diversity is celebrated, and racial inequalities is eradicated, you can make a pledge.
- Take part in I Matter campaign – we are calling all Black students and staff to take part in the I MATTER campaign and have their voices heard.
- Learn together - you may want to reflect and update your knowledge and understanding on race and race related issues. Check out the resources displayed in the Library and the recommended reading in the University bookshop. Drill Hall is hosting a Black Pioneers Exhibition from 10 October.
- Be confident to report harassment – we want you to feel confident that reporting of any harassment incidents at CCCU will be taken seriously and that we will be here to support you.
Black History Month Moves Challenge
Join a set of brand-new Moves Challenges, acknowledging the accomplishments of some of our remarkable black athletes as part of Black History Month available via the CCCU Moves app
Support for our Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and Minority Ethnic Students:
- The Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic student network – the network provides a space for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students to support each other throughout their studies, network, discuss challenges and promote race equality and diversity. Look out for Shine Bright in Academia workshops that will be delivered through November and December.
- The Believe, Achieve, Mentor and Empower (BAME) Programme – the peer support programme has been uniquely designed for students that identify as Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and Minority Ethnic. The programme aims to improve the experience of Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and Minority Ethnic students, enhance learning, celebrate success and support collaboration.
- If you are a Health or social care student you can also find information on support available for placements and how to be an impactful ally on our Bridging the Gap to Leadership pages and Padlet.
- The 10,000 Black interns programme aims to transform the horizons and prospects of young Black people in the UK by offering access to paid internships across a wide range of industries, as well as world-class training and development. Find out more at an event on Tuesday 8 November 2022, 3pm-4pm at the Canterbury Campus. To book your place click here
Coming soon – Workshops on building an anti-racist university
During November the University will be hosting a range of workshops to support race equity for students and staff. We want this to be an opportunity to listen to and learn from our community, to understand what we need to do together to change, and to capture ideas for how we can authentically build an anti-racist university. Look out for more details later this month.