Events mark Black History Month
Reclaiming narratives and spotlighting diverse experiences are some of the themes featured in events across Edinburgh this October, as part of Black History Month.
Staff and students from across the University are involved in a programme of events to celebrate and reflect on the contributions and experiences that have shaped African and Caribbean communities.
The Pan African flag, or the UNIA flag, will fly above Old College for the duration of the month. The flag has come to represent Black freedom and pride around the world.
This year’s theme focuses on 'Reclaiming Narratives' and marks a significant shift towards recognising, showcasing and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture.
Explore the full list of events taking place in Edinburgh:
Black History Month events | University of Edinburgh
Panel discussion
Edinburgh Futures Institute will chair a panel discussion on Tuesday 15 October, exploring the possibilities of decolonising education.
Experts will lead a conversation about Black presence and Black Studies in educational systems around the world, inviting the audience to participate in thought-provoking discussions.
Rooting Decolonial Education: Routes for Repair and Liberation
Lectures
Forgotten figures of Black London in the early to mid-20th Century is the focus of Dr Rochelle Rowe, Lecturer in Black British History’s talk on Friday 18 October.
Dr Rowe will share her research into the Black women who modelled for famous British sculptor Jacob Epstein, but whose lives and labours have been erased from the historical record until now.
Dr Rochelle Rowe, 'The Black Woman Modernist Muse in Jacob Epstein's Art, 1915-1959'
Racism and colonialism is the central theme of the Global South Lecture by Leonard Harris, Professor of philosophy at Purdue University and founding member of the Philosophy Born of Struggle Association.
Taking place on Friday 25 October, he will explain the concept of ‘necro-being’, a theory shaped by colonialism, racism, and violence that Professor Harris describes as a “condition that kills and prevents persons from being born”.
Global South Lecture: Professor Leonard Harris
Information session
On Thursday 10 October, an awareness session on the Windrush Scheme will be held at Moray House School of Education and Sport. Set up in 2018 following the Windrush Scandal, the Scheme helps people who settled in the UK before 1973 as part of the ‘Windrush generation’ secure free documentation proving their right to live and work here.
Members of the Windrush Scheme will share their work, including what action was taken by the Home Office to right the wrongs following the Windrush Scandal and information on Windrush Compensation Scheme.
Raising awareness and addressing information gaps about ‘Windrush’
Film screening
A screening of the documentary ‘Talking Black in America’ will be aired at Adam House on Chambers Street on 16 October.
The film explores the role of language and dialect in the lives African Americans and their impact on the historical and cultural legacy of America.
Talking Black in America Film Screening