We are delighted to share a diverse line-up of events and talks for Black History Month 2025. This year’s theme (in the UK) is 'Standing Firm in Power and Pride'.
If you have an event you would like included in this year's programme please email diversity@bath.ac.uk with the details. The list of activities below will be regularly updated with the latest activities and events throughout October.
Also this month consider joining the Mosaic network for staff or the SU's Bath African and Caribbean Society for students.
This Black History Month, Campus Services is working with Black students to bring a range of food and products to campus. This includes a new range of Black hair products in the Market, and a pop-up counter of authentic African and Caribbean dishes launching in lime tree later in the month.
Events
Searching for My Slave Roots: From Guyana's Sugar Plantations to Cambridge
- Tuesday 21 October
- 6-8.15pm
- Chancellors' Building
- Public event
We are delighted to welcome celebrated author and award-winning researcher, Malik Al Nasir, DLitt (h.c.) to campus for the launch of his book 'Searching for my Slave Roots: From Guyana’s Sugar Plantations to Cambridge', a powerful exploration of ancestry, enslavement, and legacy. Book your space now.
Guest speaker: Cleo Lake on what 'Standing Firm in Power and Pride' means to her
- Wednesday 22 October
- 2-3pm
- Chancellors' Building, room 3.15
- Staff and students
Cleo is a community engagement professional, researcher, intuitive creative artist and producer.
She has been involved within the arts and culture sector for over two decades, and has been Chair of St Pauls Carnival, radio producer and presenter on Ujima Radio, and a writer in residence at the Arnolfini.
Cleo is an associate researcher at Bristol University for the UKRI funded ‘Citizen’s Researching Together’ project, and former Lord Mayor of Bristol (2018-2019) .
'Letters to Gil' - A workshop with Malik Al Nasir
- Wednesday 22 October
- 3-5pm
- Chancellors' Building
- Staff and students
'Letters to Gil' is Malik’s profound coming-of-age story, charting his journey from childhood in the UK care system—marked by neglect, exploitation, and racial injustice—to resilience, empowerment, and self-discovery under the mentorship of legendary artist, poet, and civil rights activist Gil Scott-Heron. Book your ticket to Malik's workshop here.
Black Students’ Network events
Student Support's Black Students' Network are putting on a range of events in October, including a meet and greet at The Edge, wellbeing workshops, and an author event at Toppings Bookstore. Find out more about the Black Students’ Network events.
ResLife events
Students living in our accommodation can also join a programme of activities throughout Black History Month, including film nights, patch making and food tasting. Find out more about Black History Month events for those in University accommodation.
Case studies
For Black History Month 2025 we're highlighting research from across the University that impacts identity, belonging, and cultural continuity for Black people.
George Gumisiriza
With his PhD study George hopes to review Africa’s oldest death practice, whilst addressing inequalities in this area of research. Read the case study here.
Blogs
Read Dr Teslim Bukoye's (Race Equality Charter Lead) reflections on this year’s theme “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”.
Walking tour of Bath
'Black Histories in Bath' is a free walking tour app was created by the Centre for Development Studies, working with Fairfield House Bath and the Bath Ethnic Minority Senior Citizens Association (BEMSCA). The tour 'celebrates the wide-ranging but under documented contributions made by Africans, Caribbeans and people of African and Caribbean descent to the City of Bath'. Find out more and download the app here.
#NeverOK
This Black History Month we are highlighting #NeverOK, a citywide campaign which makes it clear that bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct are #NeverOK. Through training students in bystander intervention, and developing allyship and community within the University, the campaign is creating a more inclusive and race-conscious environment. You can find out how to get involved in the campaign here.
Support and Report
The University can help, you can tell us if you have experienced any form of discrimination, including microaggressions.
Use Support and Report, we listen and take you seriously. We can support, offer guidance, and make change.
Library reading list for Black History Month
The has Library put together a selection of resources to celebrate Black History Month. This list will be expanded and updated as we acquire more stock. If you have any suggestions of books to add to the list, please email the Library on library@bath.ac.uk.
The SU
To find out what activities are being put on by the Students' Union visit their dedicated Black History Month webpage.