Friday 01-11-2024 - 15:20

That’s a wrap on Black History Month 2024 – we’re going to take a moment to look back and celebrate what happened, our students, our officers, and everyone else who made it a roaring success.  

From inspiring discussions to lively performances, it was a testament to the rich and deep history and culture of the Black community – a massive thank you to everyone who brought their energy and enthusiasm to the workshops, panels, and events.

What Happened?

We started off strong with an Anti-Racism Workshop, which offered valuable insights and practical tools for encouraging inclusivity in their daily lives. 

Then we held an Open Mic Night which became a lively platform for voices on Lampeter campus, showcasing poetry, music, and storytelling that celebrated diverse experiences.

We held Movie Nights across our campuses that featured powerful films that not only entertained but also encouraged meaningful discussions about race and identity. 

Then there was our Decolonising The Curriculum panel discussion that challenged the current educational narratives, encouraging a more inclusive approach to learning. 

And wrapping things up was our Writing Heritage workshop – run with student Tunji Offeyi - that explored how cultural backgrounds influence storytelling, allowing attendees to reflect on their experiences. These events not only strengthened our community bonds but also deepened our understanding of Black history and culture.

This year's Black History Month was spearheaded by Rhobyn Grant, your Lampeter Campus President, and we want her to have the last words. 

"Working on this year’s Black History Month campaign has been both inspiring and deeply fulfilling.

Seeing our students, staff and the community come together to engage in workshops and thought-provoking discussions from heritage to racism to decolonising the curriculum, made all the planning worth it.

Watching the film SUGARLANDS by Vincentian filmmaker Akley Olton, taught me a lot about my own history. The Anti-Racism Training hosted by Aberystwyth SU President, Bayanda Vundamina was also very educational. It highlighted the issues faced by marginalised people in modern society and outlined some of the ways we can go about dismantling existing systems which were built on racism.

My favourite part was definitely the Open Mic Night in Lampeter, where students shared their talents in a way that created a comfortable, fun and empowering space for everyone!

This campaign has reignited my passion for change, and reinforced my own identity. I truly hope that it has inspired students to value their unique experiences and to be brave enough to share their own stories."

 

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