Black History Month
Throughout October, we celebrate Black History Month, a time to recognise, reflect on and celebrate the histories, experiences, achievements and contributions of people of African and Caribbean heritage.
Black History Month has been celebrated nationally since 1987 and provides an opportunity to highlight stories and contributions that have often been overlooked, while recognising the important role Black communities have played in shaping the UK’s history and culture. While October is when these histories are often highlighted, we encourage the wider community to recognise and celebrate Black History throughout the year.
The theme for Black History Month UK 2026 is “honouring our communities”. This year’s theme celebrates the people whose everyday contributions help to strengthen, support and shape Black communities across the UK.
It recognises that Black history is not only shaped by prominent figures and major historical events, but also by the individuals who contribute through education, healthcare, community work, volunteering, leadership, creativity and advocacy. The theme provides an opportunity to recognise these contributions and celebrate the people who help our communities thrive.
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 role of the Race Equality Steering Group (RESG) is to advocate for and work to ensure an inclusive, welcoming and equitable working and learning environment for Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) students and staff. From September 2026, the RESG will oversee the implementation of the Race Equality Charter Action Plan. RESG membership is comprised of representatives from across the University. RESG reports to the University’s central Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (EDIC).
Dr Elaine Webster has assumed the role of Chairperson for the Race Equality Steering Group since September 2024. 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.
For information about the RESG or matters of race equality at the University of Strathclyde, please contact Simran Kaur (Senior Race and Equalities Officer) at Simran.kaur@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. If you would like to book a session for your team or department, please email us at equality@strath.ac.uk.
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 of Strathclyde has received the Race Equality Charter Bronze Award in recognition of its work to advance race equality and embed anti-racist practice. Presented by AdvanceHE, the award acknowledges the actions Strathclyde has taken and will take over the next five years, including institution wide anti racism training, senior leadership accountability for race equality, stronger support and reporting mechanisms for students and staff, work to address ethnicity-related awarding gaps, and initiatives to embed inclusive and decolonised approaches to teaching.
The submission included a 394-page application and a five-year Action Plan (2026-2031), drawing on three years of staff and student data as well as feedback gathered through focus groups, pop-up stalls and the REC survey
Find out more about the Race Equality Charter and Action Plan.
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.
Month-long events
Careers & Employability Service Commitment to Better Supporting Global Majority Students and Graduates
This Black History Month, the Careers & Employability Service is making a commitment to strengthen how we support global majority students and graduates (from Black, Asian, mixed and other ethnically diverse backgrounds) in their career development.
This commitment will kickstart a year-long programme of employer insight visits to help our team develop a deeper understanding of what workplace inclusion looks like in practice.
We will be visiting employers and meeting with HR teams and race equality networks, or those leading race equality initiatives within the workplace, to build our knowledge through real experiences and meaningful conversations.
Over the coming months, we'll be asking global majority students and graduates:
- which employers would you like to know more about?
- what questions would you like us to ask on your behalf?
- what information would help you make more informed career decisions?
Black History Month Display - Library
The Library are celebrating Black History Month with a wall display showing a timeline of Black Scottish History, from the African Romans who built the Antonine Wall to the push to rename Glasgow streets named after enslavers. There’s also a book display highlighting the range of Black voices in the Library collections. We also have a crafts corner, where you can complete our community jigsaw or take time to relax with our colouring-in sheets and puzzles. Come along and find something new to learn and enjoy!
Inclusive Job Search: Finding Employers Who Value Diversity, Equity and Belonging
This Black History Month, discover how to navigate an inclusive job search with confidence. We'll explore how to identify employers that genuinely value diversity, recognise the signs of an inclusive workplace, and access opportunities, networks and programmes that support Black talent and other underrepresented groups. Open to all students and graduates interested in finding employers where they can succeed and belong.
- Date/time: Tuesday, 6 October, 1pm to 2pm
- Location: Learning & Teaching Building, TL446
Information Session - Diversifying Leadership training programme
The University of Strathclyde is offering a limited number of spaces for Advance HE's Diversifying Leadership programme. The Diversifying Leadership programme is designed to support early-career academics, professional services staff, lecturers, and senior lecturers from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds who are taking their first steps into leadership roles, from grade 7 and above.
This information session will be held online, for one hour to provide further information to potential applicants. The Teams link will be sent out closer to the time.
For more information, including how to apply for the DL 29 North Cohort, please see our Diversifying Leadership webpage.
- Date/time: Wednesday, 7 October 2026, 1pm to 2pm
- Venue: Online
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 Working Group.
- Date/time: Thursday, 8 October, 10am to 12pm
- Location: TL652 (Mary Dunn Wing, Learning & Teaching Building)
Kwaku's Karaoke: Black History Month Edition
Join us at the Union for this Black History Month Edition of our weekly karaoke night, celebrating songs by Black artists!
From protest anthems to cultural classics, we're inviting 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: 14 October 2026, 8pm to 11pm
- Location: Strath Union
Race Equality Charter launch
This event will mark the launch of the University of Strathclyde Race Equality Charter(REC) Action Plan 2026-2031 during Black History Month, celebrating the University’s achievement of its first bronze award
- Date/time: Wednesday, 21 October, 2pm to 4pm
- Location: TL329 (Jocelyn Bell Burnell Wing)
Costume party
Celebrate Black History Month with an evening of costumes, culture, music, games, performances, food and great company. Dress up, meet new people and join us for a fun celebration of Black culture and community
- Date/time: Thursday, 29 October, 4pm to 7pm
- Location: The Terrace (Strath Union), Learning and Teaching Building
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.