The origins of Black History Month date back to 1920s, when it was established in the US. Today in the UK we celebrate Black History Month in October and it has become important in the cultural calendar of many organisations including universities.
The event is intended to recognise the contribution and achievements of those with African or Caribbean heritage. It is also an opportunity for people to learn more about the effects of racism and how to challenge negative stereotypes.
Our University talks and events programme reflects and celebrates our community throughout the year. As part of this, we celebrate Black History Month with a wide range of SU and University events, including in our Lakeside Theatre.
Our programme will be based around the UK Black History Month theme for 2024: ‘Reclaiming the Narratives’. This theme underscores a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage. It’s about taking control of our stories and honouring our heroes while challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and globally.
Colleagues around the University are currently organising their Black History Month events and this page will be continually updated as events are confirmed.
Location: The Atrium, Colchester campus, 7.00pm-8.30pm
Are you a Black student eager to connect with peers who share your background and interests?
This is your chance to meet fellow students who may share similar experiences, cultural backgrounds, and interests, and build lasting friendships in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Can't wait to see you there!
Location: Lakeside Theatre, 7pm
A one-man drama by Rodreguez King-Dorset. Set in 2018, a young white far-right racist party leader, a Black Caribbean diplomat and a white Oxford educated Home Office government official prepare to give speeches on the same day, at different times, in separate locations about a million people who migrated from the Caribbean to Britain between 1948 and 1973, and the British political scandal which began in 2018.
One of the men has a dark secret that he struggles to come to terms with during his fiery speech – it will change his life forever.
Tickets are available from the Lakeside Theatre.
Location: SU Bar, Colchester, from 8pm
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we take over the SU Bar in honor of Black History Month Expect a vibrant mix of R&B, hip-hop, Afrobeats, and reggae. Whether you're here to dance or just soak up the atmosphere, this will be a celebration you won’t forget.
Find out more on the SU events page.
Location: Southend Forum Library
Dive into the excitement of Black History Month with our Blind Date with a Book event! This isn’t just about picking up any book—it’s about celebrating the brilliance of Black authors and discovering stories that could surprise and inspire you in ways you never imagined.
How it works:
Whether you're a bookworm or just looking for something new, this event is your chance to connect with incredible stories and voices. Don't miss out!
Location: Southend Lounge, from 4.30pm-6.00pm
Open to All! Join us for a fun and creative BHM Sip & Paint event! Whether you're an experienced artist or just looking to try something new, this event is perfect for everyone. Enjoy a glass of nosecco or fizzy pop as you creating
No previous painting experience is necessary—all materials are provided. Just bring yourself, unwind with friends, meet new people, and take home a unique piece of art that you created.
Find out more on the SU events page.
Location: Southend Lounge, from 6.00pm-8.00pm
All are welcome! Hosted by your VP Welfare and VP Southend, we will be serving delicious African and Caribbean food in honour of Black History Month. They will also be on hand to answer and questions or concerns you have about the cost-of-living crisis or uni life in general.
On the menu this week: Jerk Chicken with Rice and Peas or Butternut Hotpot (V) with plain rice.
Find out more on the SU events page.
Location: 12pm-1pm, CTC 2.01
Are you a Black student looking to find employers to recognise your talents? Join 10,000 Interns Foundation to hear what they are looking for during their recruitment process and hear about their current open opportunities.
The session covers:
The 10,000 Interns Foundation will also have a pop up on Square 3, 11am-2pm. Find out more on the Career Hub webpage.
Location: Colchester campus, from 2pm-6pm
Open to All! Join us for a fun and creative BHM Sip & Paint event! Whether you're an experienced artist or just looking to try something new, this event is perfect for everyone. Enjoy a glass of nosecco or fizzy pop as you creating your own masterpiece using the black history month colours black, red, yellow, and green.
No previous painting experience is necessary—all materials are provided. Just bring yourself, unwind with friends, meet new people, and take home a unique piece of art that you created.
Location: Essex Sport Arena, Colchester campus, 4.00pm-8.30pm
Join us for an exciting Essex Rebels Basketball Doubleheader at the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday 19 October! The action kicks off at 4pm with the Essex Rebels Super League Basketball (SLB) Women facing off against the Nottingham Wildcats. Then, at 6.30pm, the Essex Rebels D1 Men take on the Nottingham Hoods. With live music, performances, and special moments, we are honouring the contributions of Black communities in the UK and worldwide. It's a celebration of Black heritage and a night of unity, pride and excitement.
Find out more and get your tickets at the Rebels webpage.
Location: The Atrium, Colchester campus, from 12pm-1pm
All are welcome! Hosted by your VP Welfare, we will be serving delicious African and Caribbean food in honour of black history month. They will also be on hand to answer and questions or concerns you have about the cost-of-living crisis or uni life in general.
On the menu this week: Jollof rice and Jerk chicken and vegetable curry.
Location: Lakeside Theatre, Colchester campus, 7pm
Warimi Karogo, BA Drama 2024 alumni presents Mine/Ors: ManiKongo’s Truth.
Set in the dark, claustrophobic confines of a hand-dug mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the play follows the harrowing journey of two child miners, Manny and Tyo, brothers who become trapped underground.
As they struggle to find a way out, their bond and resilience are tested against the backdrop of exploitative mining practices rooted in colonialism. Mine/Ors is a powerful exploration of the adultification of Congolese children, brotherhood, love, hope and the quest for dignity amidst systemic oppression.
Tickets are available from the Lakeside Theatre. Content guidance: Suitable for age 14+.
Location: Top Bar, Colchester campus, from 7pm-9pm
Join us for a Black History Month Quiz Night that’s all about fun, learning, and a bit of friendly competition. Open to everyone (and free entry!), this quiz will cover a variety of topics, including history, music, sports, film, and TV. Whether you're a trivia pro or just in it for a good time, there’s something for everyone - plus some great prizes to be won!
Find out more on on the SU events page.
Whether you're a bookworm or just looking for something new, this event is your chance to connect with incredible stories and voices. Don't miss out!
Black History Month 'Get Out' screening
Location: Cine 10, Colchester campus, time tbc
In celebration of Black History Month, we're hosting a special free screening of Jordan Peele's ground breaking film, Get Out.
Get Out follows Chris, a young Black man, as he visits the family of his white girlfriend for the first time. What begins as awkward small talk quickly spirals into a chilling, psychological thriller that unearths hidden tensions and tackle’s themes of race, privilege, and identity in a unique and unsettling way.
Essex Cultural Diversity Project
ECDP is supporting events and activities taking place across the county of Essex for Black History Month. There are a number of events taking place across Essex, organised by their friends and collaborators.
Black History Month 2024
Visit their webpage to find out more about events taking place in the county of Essex.
To celebrate Black History Month we have created this reading list. It's full of classics, modern classics and factual works by Black authors or about Black history.
We have added in some interesting video accompaniments to our reading list, which you can view on Box of Broadcasts (available free of charge for all current University of Essex staff and students).
We have been actively working on the Decolonising the Library project for the last few years. Last year, we worked with two student champions to engage students with the subject of decolonising the Library. We created a short introductory video and started ‘deep-dive’ activities, where students research and select titles to diversify selected areas of the Library collections. For Black History Month we are showcasing some of the titles chosen by students with our Black History Month book display.
At Southend and Loughton come and check out our displays where we will be giving you ideas of content to read, watch and listen to from Drama Online and our ‘Black Drama’ collection which includes 1,700 plays.