We are the University of Aberdeen’s Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Forum, and we represent all the students within this demographic. We were created in 2017 to try to ensure the safety and representation of BAME students on campus, and promote solidarity within our diverse communities.
While we represent all students within the BAME group during October our focus will be on Black History Month (BHM), an annual celebration of the historic and current contributions and accomplishments of Black people in the UK and globally.
Throughout this month we will be creating content and delivering/hosting events focused on the intersections of Black Identity and culture and encouraging all members of the university community to get involved in celebrating and uplifting Black lives.
Events will range from discussions on film, music and literature to popular culture, mental health and social justice and we hope that all students, Black and allies, join us and get involved.
Now, more than ever, we ask that the University of Aberdeen partner with us to amplify the voices of Black students and members of the Aberdeen community and keep Black people at the centre of the discussion.
As a University with an international focus and a diverse Black student body, we expect Aberdeen to support our endeavours and not only make space for, but to listen to the voices of its Black members and take the necessary action to ensure that every single Black student and member of staff feels supported and protected.
Black History Month is necessary because, too often, Black history is equated to Black pain.
2020 has seen Black issues (such as the ongoing fight for civil liberties with, for example, the Black Lives Matter movement) given international attention but it is important to understand that the history of Black people in the UK and across the world is not limited to the things that have been done to us.
Black history is also joy and pride, and this Black History Month is an opportunity to make this known.
For those who are new to this and would like to know more we recommend the Black History Month website https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk.
and the About Race podcast by Reni Eddo-Lodge https://www.aboutracepodcast.com.
On social media, you can find us for BHM events and resources on all platforms as @ausabame.
