Black History Month
Throughout October, we celebrate Black History Month.
Black History Month educates people on the achievements and contributions African and Caribbean heritage peoples have made to the UK’s history and culture.
The theme for Black History Month UK 2025 is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that define the Black community across the globe. This year, the theme highlights the profound contributions made by Black people, be they leaders, activists, or pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth.
Find out more
Advancing race equality at Strathclyde
As a socially progressive and people-oriented organisation, the University of Strathclyde strives to be an inclusive community which recognises the potential, talents and contribution of all people.
We greatly value the diversity of our student and staff populations, and seek to create a culture where everyone is welcome and thrives within our institution, and are treated fairly and with respect.
We're committed to creating an environment for students, staff and visitors in which behaviours that detract from the safety and collegiality of our University are not tolerated. The University will take prompt action in response to any alleged discrimination, victimisation, or harassment based on race and ethnicity, nationality, and religion and belief.
Race Equality Steering Group
The Race Equality Steering Group (RESG) was established in September 2023 with the goal of advocating for and ensuring an inclusive, welcoming, and equitable working and learning environment for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) students and staff. The RESG will actively promote racial diversity in our teaching and learning while improving educational and employment outcomes for BAME students and staff through our culture, structures, and processes.
The RESG is the successor to the Race Equality Working Group (REWG), which was convened to inform the advancement of race equality work at Strathclyde. From 2020 to 2022, the University’s Race Equality Working Group led a program of sector scoping, consulted with staff and students, and analysis of ethnicity data. The three main strands of the recommendations are Challenging Racism, Representation, as well as Belonging and Visibility.
In September 2023, the University established the permanent Race Equality Steering Group (RESG) to carry forward this work and implement the recommendations, reporting directly to the University’s central EDI Committee.
From September 2024, Dr Elaine Webster has assumed the role of Chairperson for the Race Equality Steering Group. Dr Webster is a Reader in the Law School and has served since 2022 as Associate Dean for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The RESG is sponsored by Professor Douglas Brodie, Associate Principal for Social Inclusion.
To proactively address matters of race equality, in June 2023 the university appointed a Senior Race Equality Officer. This focused addition to the Equality and Diversity Office underscores the University's determination to better understand, address, and challenge existing racial disparities. For more information about the RESG or matters of race equality at the University of Strathclyde, please contact Jennifer Ba (Senior Race Equality Officer) at: Jennifer.ba@strath.ac.uk.
Report & Support
If you experience or witness racism, bullying, harassment and violence on campus and/or relating to university staff and students, you can report this via Strathclyde’s Report & Support system. Reports can be made anonymously.
Training & Development
The Equality and Diversity Office offers a suite of training sessions on topics related to race and racism, including in-person and online sessions. Staff can sign up for sessions via the DAT booking system (links below). If you would like to book a session for your team or department, please email us at equality@strath.ac.uk.
Microbehaviours
This session considers microbehaviours, from microaggressions to microaffirmations, and how they can shape our daily lives. Participants will be given practical skills for addressing microaggressions and will put them to use through group work and case studies.
Allyship
This session covers the basics of allyship, why it matters, and practical ways to become an effective ally to marginalised groups, with a particular focus on sexism and racism. Through interactive activities and group work, participants will build a solid foundation from which to develop their allyship.
Anti-Racism workshop
This two-hour interactive session is an introduction to the topic of Anti-Racism. Participants will develop confidence with terminology around race; explore structural racism through the lens of unequal structures in Scotland and in Higher Education; reflect on privilege and power in daily life, and discover practical steps towards anti-racism.
This course was developed by the Equality & Diversity Office and draws upon relevant evidence, sector-wide research, and work undertaken by the Race Equality Steering Group.
Intersectionality
Intersectionality, a term coined by scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, describes the study of overlapping identities and the interaction between different power structures. In this workshop, participants will be provided with a safe space to reflect on intersecting identities such as race, gender, class, sexual orientation, ability, and many others. By applying an intersectional framework, participants will be better equipped at identifying the impact of overarching power structures and comprehensively address inequality.
Please visit our staff courses webpage to view our full training & development offering.
Race Equality Charter
The University is a member of the Advance HE Race Equality Charter programme, and is currently working towards submission for an award. The Race Equality Charter helps institutions in their work to identify and address the barriers facing Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff and students, while also providing a framework for action and improvement.
Further information about the Race Equality Charter is available from Advance HE.
Black History 365 Playlist
This playlist includes a list of films, documentaries and radio programmes celebrating Black history. Login using your University details.
Black History Month - Queer History Playlist
A playlist focusing on the lives and works of Black queer people. While most items feature explicitly queer stories, some focus on people's contributions to their field or the culture. Content Disclaimer: some items in this list may contain outdated or offensive language, including misgendering.
Black History Month book display
This book display celebrates Black History Month. This list focuses on the lives and stories of Black people.
The display is in-person, but items can be found online via a Libguide.
- Time: Library opening hours
- Location: Level 3 of the library
Careers event: Levelling up your LinkedIn (workshop)
This interactive workshop is for students and graduates from our Strathclyde Black community. It will focus on sharing practical advice & guidance on how to connect with the right people IRL & URL.
Led by Mercy Abel who is a Strathclyde Alum, multi-award winning Marketer and Early Careers Specialist: throughout her career, she has been awarded for this year's The Media Leader’s 50 Black Women Gamechangers in Media, 2024 Campaign’s IPA iList, 2023 Media Week 30 under 30, The Media Leader Future 100 Club and 2022 Advertising Association’s BRiM Changemaker.
- Date/time: Wednesday 8 October, 1.30pm to 4pm
- Location: On campus
- Booking link
Information session: 10,000 Black Interns
A deep dive into The 10,000 Interns Foundation. Learn about their mission and gain a detailed insight into their programme.
Date/time: Thursday 9 October, 1pm to 2pm
Panel Discussion - Race Equality Staff Network - “Writing Scotland’s Future: Perspectives from Writers of Colour.”
The Race Equality Staff Network invites you to an inspiring panel discussion in collaboration with the Scottish BPOC Writers Network (SBWN). This event will bring together a panel of talented writers from the Black & People Of Colour (BPOC) community, spanning genres including novels, poetry and children’s literature. Together, they will share their experiences, explore the challenges and opportunities of writing in Scotland today, and discuss how diverse literary voices are shaping Scotland’s cultural future.
This free event is open to all staff, students, and members of the wider community. Join us for an afternoon of conversation, creativity, and connection as we (re)imagine Scotland’s literary landscape.
- Date/time: Wednesday 15 October, 2pm to 4pm
- Location: Ramshorn, 98 Ingram St, Glasgow G1 1EX
Anti-Racism Workshop
This two-hour interactive session is an introduction to the topic of Anti-Racism. Participants will develop confidence with terminology around race; explore structural racism through the lens of unequal structures in Scotland and in Higher Education; reflect on privilege and power in daily life, and discover practical steps towards anti-racism.
- Date/time: Thursday 16 October, 10am to 12pm
- Location: TL652 (Mary Dunn Wing, Learning & Teaching Building)
BHM Karaoke: Music as a form of Resistance
Join us for an unforgettable evening of karaoke.
It’s resistance, storytelling, and solidarity. From protest anthems to cultural classics, this event invites everyone to raise their voices, celebrate Black artistry, and explore how music has always been central to struggles for justice and freedom.
Whether you’re singing or cheering from the crowd, come ready for joy, empowerment, and community.
- Date/time: Thursday 16 October, 4pm
- Location: Strath Union Mandela Auditorium
Paint & Sip for Black History Month
Unwind, Create, and Connect at our BLACK HISTORY MONTH Paint & Sip.
Take a break from the rush of term with an evening of creativity and calm. Paint & Sip is a guided art session designed to help you relax, express yourself, and celebrate Black History Month in a meaningful, joyful way.
Expect:
- Guided Painting session (all materials provided)
- Refreshments & Non-alcoholic Drinks to sip as you paint
- Relaxed Atmosphere with music, conversation, and community connection
- Take-home Artwork as a personal reminder of BHM 2025
No experience needed. just bring yourself, a friend and an open mind. This event combines art, wellbeing, and community in line with this year’s theme: Standing Firm in Power and Pride.
- Date/time: Tuesday 21 October, 2pm
- Location: Level 8, Learning and Teaching Building
Navigating Anti-Racist Education: Perspectives & Experiences from Strathclyde's Education Graduates
It is one thing to talk about anti-racism and anti-racist education, but perhaps another to do it in and through education. And, despite a growing network of research, practice, and teaching resources, it can still be difficult to know where to start – and what counts!
Join us for an online panel discussion with PGDE graduates on how they have sought to 'do' anti-racist education in their teaching career. In this discussion, our guest panellists will talk about their experiences (successes and challenges) and their networks of support. We encourage you to bring questions to help us foster dialogue and inspire a new, emerging cohort of teachers for a more critical inclusive Scottish education.
Who should attend?
This event is primarily for students thinking about a career in education, current student teachers, practicing teachers, teacher educators, and anyone interested in reflecting on the role of education for building a more equitable society.
- Date/time: Tuesday, 21 October 2025, 5pm to 6.30pm
- Location: Zoom
Careers event: Demystifying networking workshop
This interactive workshop is for students and graduates from our Strathclyde Black community. It will focus on sharing practical advice & guidance on how to connect with the right people IRL & URL.
Led by Mercy Abel who is a Strathclyde Alum, multi-award winning Marketer and Early Careers Specialist: throughout her career, she has been awarded for this year's The Media Leader’s 50 Black Women Gamechangers in Media, 2024 Campaign’s IPA iList, 2023 Media Week 30 under 30, The Media Leader Future 100 Club and 2022 Advertising Association’s BRiM Changemaker.
- Date/time: Wednesday 22 October, 1.30pm to 4pm
- Location: On campus
- Booking link
Black History Month Keynote Lecture with Professor Jason Arday, University of Cambridge
We are delighted to welcome Professor Jason Arday, Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Cambridge, to deliver a keynote event at The University of Strathclyde, as part of our Black History Month celebrations.
Professor Arday is one of the UK’s leading scholars on race, inequality and education. Appointed to Cambridge in 2023, he became the youngest Black professor in the university's history. His inspiring personal and professional journey – from overcoming the challenges of autism and illiteracy in his youth, to becoming an internationally respected academic – epitomises both the barriers and the possibilities facing under-represented groups in higher education.
His research explores the experiences of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students and staff, the impacts of structural racism, and how universities can drive meaningful change. Beyond academia, he is a trustee of the Runnymede Trust, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and has advised governments across the UK on anti-racism strategies.
The event coincides with our ongoing work with the Advance HE Race Equality Charter, through which we are committed to advancing race equality across the institution. Further details of the event will be confirmed in due course.
Register to attend this event.
Date/time: Wednesday 22 October, 5.15pm to 7pm,
Location: TL325, Learning and Teaching Building, 16 Richmond St, Glasgow G1 1XQ
Power & Pride Festival
Our flagship festival-style celebration with stalls, performances, food, games, and community all under one roof.
The Power and Pride Festival is the heart of this year’s Black History Month celebrations at Strathclyde. Join us for a lively, interactive showcase of culture, history, or joy. All centred on the theme of “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.”
Expect:
- Cultural Stalls & Displays: headwraps, henna, Black figures in Scotland, timelines, art & poetry, and more.
- Performances: Student curated music, spoken word, and student talent throughout the day.
- Interactive Games: Name the flag, Who's the Black Icon, Spin-the-wheel challenges with prizes.
- Food Area: Enjoy a taste of African, Caribbean, Afro-Latin, and African-American street food.
- Community Energy: Connect with societies, explore hidden histories, and celebrate together.
This is a high-energy, festival-style event designed to bring visibility, pride, and celebration to campus. Whether you’re here to learn, play, or simply soak in the atmosphere, the Main Fest is the place to be.
- Date/time: Thursday 23 October, 3pm
- Location: The Venue, Level 2 Learning and Teaching Building
Soul Food Sisters baking session
As part of the Black History Month celebrations, the Strathclyde Institute of Education is hosting a baking session by Soul Food Sisters. Soul Food Sisters are a group of migrant women based in the East End of Glasgow. This is a vibrant collective inspired by authentic recipes from diverse homelands and committed to sharing great food with as many people as possible and strengthening cultural links in Scotland. Only ethically sourced food is used.
- Date/time: 27 October 2025, 2pm to 4pm
- Location: Curran Building, Level 6, CU633, University of Strathclyde
Sign up for this event - places are limited
Black History Walking Tour of Glasgow with CRER
This walking tour will take participants on a historical journey through Glasgow’s mercantile past and examine the city’s connections with tobacco, slavery and the abolition movement.
The meeting point is the David Livingstone Memorial Statue, Castle St, Glasgow G4 0UZ and the tour ends at the Gallery of Modern Art, 111 Queen St, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AH.
- Date/time: Tuesday 28 October, 1pm to 3pm
- Location: David Livingstone Memorial Statue
More information & resources
If you are looking for more information about staff networks and groups, learning & development or Diversifying and Decolonising the Curriculum please visit our Race Equality Webpages.