The University of Nottingham is celebrating Black History Month 2015 with music, public lectures, film screenings and much more.

Throughout October, the University will run a diverse range of events focussing on Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) culture, history and people. Almost all of these events will be free, and are open to the local community as well as students and staff.

Celebrate, discover, learn

Highlights from this year’s programme include:

• Black History Month 2015 launch – with music from local singer-songwriter Natalie Duncan, and a spoken word performance from David Stickman Higgins. 7.30pm, Friday 2 October
• Nine Nights screening and Q&A – the premiere of the SKN Heritage Museum’s documentary about Caribbean funeral traditions in the UK. 6pm, Monday 5 October
• Clarks in Jamaica – Al Newman, DJ and cultural historian, discusses the unusual popularity of Clarks shoes in reggae culture. 6.30pm, Thursday 8 October
• Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners – following his BBC documentary earlier this year, historian and broadcaster David Olusoga explores the hidden history of slavery. 6.30pm, Monday 12 October
• Brendon Batson in conversation – the former footballer and adviser to the FA discusses racism in sport with Troy Townsend, Kick It Out. 6.30pm, Thursday 15 October
• Black Lives Matter – a day of debate, dialogues and performance with the Centre for Research in Race and Rights and partners to celebrate the 50th anniversaries of the UK Race Regulations Act and the US Civil Rights Movement. 9.30am-5pm and 6.30-9pm, Wednesday 28 October

For a full events programme and information on how to register for individual events, have a look at the poster gallery on the blog.

“Nothing can be changed until it is faced”

This year marks the third of the University’s annual Black History Month celebrations, and offers the opportunity to reflect on the history and achievements of BME communities.

Val Watson, Chair of the University’s BME Network, said: “When I think about Black History Month, I think of the quote from American novelist James Baldwin: ‘Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced’. Baldwin is a favourite writer of mine who inspired me to take pride and responsible ownership of my history and ethnicity. I first came across his work by chance as a naïve 12 year old and his work, ideas, words and life story has inspired and challenged me intermittently throughout my adolescence occasionally coming back to me as I get older.

“This quote aptly describes the need for Black History Month both as a challenge and celebration. However, it is important to recognise that every month is Black History Month.”

Don’t miss out

For updates throughout October, email bhm@nottingham.ac.uk to be added to the University’s mailing list. You can also use #NottsBHM to join the conversation on social media, and visit the University’s dedicated Black History Month blog for news, profiles and more: blogs.nottingham.ac.uk/blackhistorymonth