As we mark Black History Month, I extend my warmest wishes to our Black staff, students and alumni, and to everyone joining us in celebration and reflection.
This year’s theme, “Honouring Our Communities”, invites us to recognise the people whose ideas, achievements and everyday contributions shape our University. For our Black colleagues and students, that recognition should come with the confidence that their voices matter, their ambitions are supported and they have a full place in Bath’s future. Whatever our background, we all have a part to play in making that experience possible.
As Race Equality Charter Lead, I am hopeful about what we can achieve together. I see that possibility in colleagues who make time to listen, students who bring people together and leaders who act on what they hear. Strengthening belonging, our first REC priority, means making these experiences more consistent across Bath. This work reflects the commitment of our Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and other senior leaders to an inclusive University where everyone has the opportunity and support to thrive.
This October, there are several opportunities to take part:
- Black History Month film collection: Explore the Library’s Kanopy playlist, available free to Bath staff and students. We would also welcome short film reviews for our REC blog from USAT members, staff, students and allies. If a film prompts a reflection you would like to share, please get in touch.
- Black Students’ Network Postgraduate Lunch: Tuesday 6 October, 12.30pm, at Nourish, Parade, 2 West. Further details.
- Decolonising at Bath: Wednesday 7 October, 1.15–3pm, Chancellors’ Building 4.1.
- Student Union events: Wednesday 14th October, Black History Month Speed Friending and Thursday 29th October, Poetry reading and spoken word - Black History Month.
- Decolonising workshop: Wednesday 21 October, 12–2pm, Chancellors’ Building 3.9.
My thanks to everyone contributing to these activities, including the SU, Library and Dr Catherine Butler, HSS Associate Dean for Culture and Inclusion and Institutional LGBTQ+ Lead, who is organising the two decolonising events.
Please join where you can, share your reflections and welcome someone into the conversation. There is much to take pride in as we build a more inclusive Bath, and more we can achieve together. Let us honour our communities by helping one another feel valued today and confident about what is possible tomorrow.
Dr Teslim Bukoye
Race Equality Charter Lead
Respond
