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Black History Month at the University of Portsmouth

This October the University of Portsmouth celebrates Black History Month (BHM) with a programme of cultural festivals, film, talks and a call to add to the University’s archives and collections in the Library.

Black History Month promotes knowledge of black history, culture and heritage, and positive black contributions to British society. In support of BHM the University is supporting various activities throughout the Month, in conjunction with the Multicultural Staff Network and Student Union and Portsmouth Film Society.

The University is also signing up to the Race Equality Charter, which aims to improve the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education.

Some of the events currently planned throughout the month include:

Throughout October, University Library
Our Global History archive project

The University is proud of its global heritage - but as with so many institutions, it sadly has little recorded black history to date. With the project Our Global History, we are appealing for more material to add to the University Archive to ensure a more diverse and reflective history. Staff, students and the wider community are invited to contribute items to the archive, and also to express an interest in taking part in a future oral history project to enrich our records further. Anyone wishing to help can email OurGlobalHistory@port.ac.uk.



Throughout October, Eldon Building
Black History Month Film Festival

In partnership with Portsmouth Film Society, the 9th Black History Month Film Festival will take place at the Eldon Building throughout the month of October. The Festival opens with an opening ceremony and the screening of Yardie (2018) on Thursday 3 October. Yardie is a British crime drama film directed by Idris Elba based on the novel of the same name by Jamaican-born writer Victor Headley. Other films include If Beale Street Could Talk, Undercover in the Alt Right, Britain on Film: Black Britain (1901-1985), BlacKkKlansman and Us. Full details available on the Portsmouth Film Society website


Saturday 5 October, 12.00pm - 5.00pm, Eldon Building
Black History Month Fusion Festival

Celebrate the history, culture and diversity of the local Afro-Caribbean community. The event, organised by the Portsmouth Black History Committee, will include performances by local artists, a fashion show featuring African dance and designs, information stalls and a pop-up market with a range of African and Caribbean art, accessories and prints. It will also aim to settle the #jollofwars as local cooks represent their countries of origin and battle it out for the accolade of the best cook of this iconic West African rice dish.


Thursday 10 October, 6.30 - 9.00pm, Park 2.23
The Great Debate Tour

UPSU’s Afro-Caribbean Society is hosting the Great Debate Tour, made up of black alumni who travel around the UK and debate prominent issues about race. Last year our ACS society were recognised for having the best turnout, so the University has been chosen to host for the South East this year.


Monday 14 October, 7.00pm, Third Space
Societies Cultural Evening

UPSU will be holding a cultural evening at 7pm in the Third Space where, in collaboration with a number of societies, there will be stalls representing different African cultures through food, music, pictures and clothing. There will also be performances throughout the evening from Gospel Choir, Capoeira and dance groups.


Wednesday 16 October, 6.00pm - 7.00pm, King Henry 0.01
Black Preachers in Portsmouth public lecture

Dr Ryan Hanley, lecturer in Modern British History, University of Exeter, will share the experiences of three key black preachers in Georgian Portsmouth when they arrive in ‘the world’s greatest naval port’. This lecture is organised in collaboration with the Citizenship, Race and Belonging (CRaB) research network at the University of Portsmouth. Book tickets now.


Friday 18 October, 4.30pm - 7.00pm, The Guildhall Village
The Recordings of Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy book launch

George Burrows' new book, 'The Recordings of Andy Kirk and his Clouds of Joy' examines the recordings of this black jazz band from Kansas City to present a new theory concerning musical-racial understandings in jazz. This joint book launch with fellow University of Portsmouth academic Anna bull, will include reflections on the two books, a live performance of some music recorded by Kirk’s band, and a chance for questions. Tickets available on Eventbrite.


Monday 21 October, 7.00pm, Third Space
Akala on 'Race, class and imperialism’ - a talk and Q&A

UPSU will host the BAFTA and MOBO award-winning musician and political commentator, Akala, speaking about 'Race, class and imperialism'. His book Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire, a searing modern polemic is on the Sunday Times bestseller list.

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