Black History Month
An opportunity to remember and celebrate black history, heritage, culture and achievements.
Observed across the world, Black History Month in October continues to educate, inspire and motivate millions of people, whilst acting as a catalyst for change.
Here at the University of Surrey, our focus on Black History Month forms part of our far-reaching and long-term strategy to increase equality, diversity and inclusion across the board.
To mark this year’s Black History Month, we are pleased to invite you to several events.
Events and activities for students
Afropiano Night
Saturday 7 October, 11pm - 3am, The Basement
Get ready for a night of infectious rhythms that bring together the magic of Afrobeats and the vibes of Amapiano music. Brought to you by Nigerian Society and Afro Caribbean Society.
Hari's Challenge
Tuesday 10 October, 7 - 9:30pm, Hari's Bar, Students' Union
The Students' Union pub quiz, with a special edition to celebrate Black History Month.
Black Tech Fest
Wednesday 11 October, 8:30am - 7pm, Magazine London, SE10 0JH
Attend the 'Futures Day' of the Black Tech Fest in London with the Students' Union.
Movie Night
Tuesday 17 October, 6 - 10pm, Rubix, Students' Union
Showing Hidden Figures from 6pm - 8pm and then King Richard from 8pm to 10pm.
Exhibition Trip to South London Gallery
Wednesday 18 October, 1pm - 7pm, South London Gallery
The Students' Union are organising a trip to London South Gallery for the 'Lagos, Peckham, Repeat: Pilgrimage to the Lakes Exhibition' as part of their Black History Month events.
Thursday Market BHM edition
Thursday 19 October, 9am - 5pm, Rubix and The Front Room
Every Thursday our Students’ Union is transformed into a foodie’s paradise and this week, you can enjoy the taste of food from a variety of places and cultures.
Cornrow and Braiding Workshop
Wednesday 25 October, 10am - 2pm and 3 - 7pm, The Basement
The Students' Union will be running two cornrow and braiding workshops to explore different techniques. Tickets will be available on Tixtu soon.
Afro Hip Hop Dance Class
Friday 27 October, 8pm - 9pm, University Hall
Learn the basics of Hip Hop style and try a new form of movement in this dance class organised by the Students' Union.
Employability Event
Monday 30 October, 6 - 10pm, 03 MS 01
An employability-themed event hosted by the Students' Union.
Events for all
HOPE Concert
Sunday 22 October 2023, 2:30 – 5pm, Bellairs Theatre, Ivy Arts Centre
Join us for this special event when musicians and other artists from across our community will come together to look back on challenging times and ahead to a better future, together.
Dr Peter Olusoga: Stress and Burnout in High-Performance Environments
Tuesday 31 October, 4 – 5:30pm, 28 AP 02 Seminar Room
In this lecture, Dr Pete Olusoga will explore how performers experience stress, how stress can lead to psychological burnout, and what we can learn from high-performance environments about being better at prioritising our own wellbeing.
The Role of Engineers in Sustainable Development
Wednesday 1 November, 12:30 - 1:30pm, AP3
Hear Jacqueline Chinwe Stephen, Future Energy Leader & STEM Advocate speak on National Engineering Day. Jacqueline is a distinguished Energy and STEM professional who has been a force of inspiration, innovation and leadership. She is dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility within the energy sector.
Events for staff and postgraduate researchers
The Diversity Book Club and BHM
Tuesday 17 October 2023, 1 - 2pm, online
The Diversity Book Club is celebrating Black History Month by taking a close look at the BBC's Small Axe, a British anthology film series created and directed by Steve McQueen.
Please contact Namy Yu via n.yu@surrey.ac.uk for a booking link.
Lunch event
Monday 30 October 2023, 1 - 2pm, 30 BB 03
The School of Maths and Physics is hosting its first Black History Month event. Come along and hear the experiences of Femi Adeyemi-Ejeye (Senior Lecturer in Video Technology), Annette Aliu (Registered Nurse, PGR in Health and Medical Sciences) and Steve Elliott (Counsellor, Centre for Wellbeing). Spaces are limited so please confirm attendance.
Food and drink offers
- Try sustainably sourced Ethiopian filter coffee at Hillside Coffee for just £2.
- Enjoy daily African and Caribbean inspired specials at Hillside Food Court between 9-15 October. From £5.50.
- Sample the new "Dabney Punch" cocktail inspired by John Dabney at Wates House.
More opportunities
Meet other students at a club or society
There are over 160 clubs and societies to choose from at Surrey. They're a great opportunity to meet likeminded people and learn new skills.
Join the SEED Network for staff and postgraduate researchers
SEED is a safe space for staff and postgraduate researchers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to explore collective identity related to race and ethnicity.
Visit the Library pop-up
Join us in the Library with Kiara Kataike (VP Voice) and her team to take part in a “pop-up” book giveaway. Kiara will be popping up between 16 – 27 October to support the Black History Month display and celebrate this year's theme of “Saluting our Sisters".
Enter the National Black History Month Poetry Competition
The National Black History Month Poetry Competition is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate black women who have made significant contributions in various fields.
The competition is open to university students and requires you to submit a poem about a pioneering black woman who has made an impact in their chosen field, explaining why she is an inspiration to you.
Entries close on 15 November 2023.
Student support and advice relating to Race and Racial Discrimination
The Centre for Wellbeing (CWB) recognise the challenges faced by many students of colour and those from diverse minority backgrounds. The team the welcome the opportunity to provide specific support especially in matters of racial discrimination, harassment, overt racism or microaggressions.
You can find out how to access specific support for Race and Racial Discrimination on MySurrey.
Supporting and working towards race equality at Surrey
We are committed to ensuring that our institutional values focus on creating equitable opportunities and outcomes for minority ethnic groups at Surrey. We have developed and implemented an extensive action plan that includes a focus on a reduction of the awarding gap between Black, Asian and minority ethnic students and White students, and a comprehensive approach to improving race equality for staff and students.
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