Committed to equality of opportunity and fair treatment for all.
Black History Month 2012
In October 2012 the university is participating in the national Black History Month campaign.
Black History Month happens every year in October and aims to educate, highlight and celebrate the achievements, history and culture of people of African and Caribbean descent.
Feedback from University of Brighton students has indicated a desire for the university to do more to celebrate the month.
These events have been contributed by volunteers, but it is hoped that this year's activities will form the basis of a larger celebration in future years.
Events at the Univeristy of Brighton
Hairterotopia by Andrew Robinson
Aldrich Library, Moulsecoomb campus, 15-26th October
This series of photographs are a subset of a wider project examining hairdressing salons as minority spaces. Part of that exploration related to expressions of identity through hair, and especially in relation to how hair is viewed by the black community. The relationship between different hair styles for black men and specific sub cultures or norms within the black community serves to fight against a homogenous black stereotype. The materiality of African-Caribbean hair gives weight to notions of difference by requiring specific care and lending itself to specific hair styles.
Special thanks to staff and customers at Shae Shae Creations, Queens Road, Brighton'That Surprised Me!' - a children's book by Karen Willbridge
Asa Briggs Foyer, Checkland Building, Falmer, 15-26th October
This exhibition showcases a book designed by Karen Willbridge, a student on the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course. Karen has written and illustrated a children's book aimed at KS1 readers to challenge misconceptions and encourage the celebration of different in an engaging and lively way. "Harry's class is about to start rehearsals for a play, and as Harry introduces us to each of his friends in turn, we learn that life is full of surprises and people seldom fit the boxes we've placed them in. Not everyone in Australia owns a pet kangaroo and not everyone from India likes curry!"
Other local events
Information about other local events happening in the Brighton and Hove area can be found on the Brighton Black History Month webpage
Black History Month is being celebrated in Hastings by the AfriKàBa festival
If you are organising and event as part of Black History Month and would like it to appear on this website, please email equality@brighton.ac.uk
Student Societies and Community Groups
The Student Union run a number of societies and committees that may be of interest to people from Black and Minority Ethnic communities. Their website contains a full list of groups.
Staff and students may also be interested in the work of the Black and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership, who have recently celebrated the opening of their new centre on Fleet Street, Brightonssss
Further information about the experiences of BME staff and students in Higher Education
Black and minority ethnic (BME) students participation in higher education: improving retention and success (Higher Education Academy)
A report on the Experience of black and minority ethnic staff in HE in England (Equality Challenge Unit)Race for Equality report: A report on the experiences of Black students in Higher Education (National Union of Students)
