October is Black History Month and the University of Liverpool is running events, creating resources, broadcasting podcasts and inviting you to take part.
The month begins with a powerful piece from the University’s Derby Fellow and social justice and equalities expert, Dr Leona Vaughn. Dr Vaughn takes a look at the Government’s Build Back Better message – in the wake of Covid-19 – making the case that any effort to do so requires Black Lives to Matter.
The first of a series of Black History Month podcasts is also launching today. The debut episode features Liverpool City Councillor and current Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Anna Rotheray.
A new download will be available each week throughout October; with Liverpool alumna and Derby Diocese’s Reverend Jacqueline Stober up next; followed by current President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Dr Mandisa Greene; current NUS Vice-President, Hillary Gyebi-Ababio; and finally, Liverpool Riverside MP, Kim Johnson.
And if live content is more your thing, there is lots to choose from.
Liverpool Literary Festival – October 9-11 – features exciting new writers; Paul Mendez, discussing semi-autobiographical debut novel, Rainbow Milk; and Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City, offering her insight on routes to publishing and how to avoid some of the pitfalls along the way.
The University is delighted to host an official launch event for the new post of Honorary Professor in Modern Slavery on October 14. The post is being taken up by Dame Sara Thornton, currently the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. The post builds on the sector leading work of the University’s Centre for the Study of International Slavery (CSIS), which considers both historical and modern forms.
The Liverpool Responds series – which was launched as the pandemic hit – is hosting an Enabling Equality and Diversity event on October 21; and the University’s hugely popular Lunchtime Concerts series opens for Autumn on October 14 – this year, every performance will showcase at least one piece by a black composer.
And you would be well-advised to check out Nana Nubi’s – founder of the Alpha Project Ireland – event on October 14, where the author, and Institute of Irish Studies student, Jacob Hussain, discuss Nigerian heritage and tackling racism in Ireland.
The Liverpool Guild of Students is also hosting a broad range of events and resources, with the Afro-Caribbean Society at the forefront of activity.
A special online hub page has been created to help you navigate through all the insight, action and information throughout October – with features on recommended books, podcasts and TV shows; black owned businesses across the region; and how to have a Black History Year, as well as much, much more.
And if you are a University of Liverpool student, or a member of staff, why not get in touch and let us know what you have planned for the month? Please do email emma.gill@liverpool.ac.uk with all the details.
Visit the University’s Black History Month hub page here, www.liverpool.ac.uk/black-history-month/ , and to sign up for the University’s Events newsletter, visit www.liverpool.ac.uk/events/email-preferences/