Skip to main content
Story

Black History Month 2024: Reclaiming Narratives

collage created for BHM 2024
  • Written byStudent Communications
  • Published date 27 September 2024
collage created for BHM 2024
Image: Collage by Ama Ogwo, Asili Taylor, and Hannah Smith, 2024, UAL

Every October, we take time to celebrate the culture, creativity and strength of our Black students, staff, alumni and partners, as well as acknowledge the important historic contribution of the Black community to mark Black History Month (BHM). Keep up-to-date with our upcoming events, news and more by exploring our Black History Month webpage.

  • Staff and student events, including exhibitions, BHM inspired menus across UAL canteens, book displays across our libraries and more
  • Spotlighting members of our UAL community through profiles
  • Showcasing student work
  • Sharing resources

We’ll also be shouting out people from the Black community who have influenced, inspired and made a positive impact, so keep an eye out on our Instagram stories to take part and use #UALBHM if you take pictures at any of our events.

Black History Month 2024 - Reclaiming Narratives

While celebrating Black communities at UAL and beyond, we also want to use this time to spread awareness and understanding of the impact of Black heritage and culture nationwide. In addition to this, we'll be focusing on acknowledging their contributions and how this has influenced and shaped the future.

This year’s BHM UK theme is 'Reclaiming Narratives'. This theme provides an excellent opportunity to correct historical inaccuracies and showcase the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage.
The theme highlights the right and desire of black communities to have control of their stories, and the platforms to honour and discover unknown heroes while also challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and globally.

Be part of the celebrations

  • Check out our BHM events listing for a range of events and activities taking place throughout the month.
  • A few weeks back we asked staff and students from the Black community to share their favourite dishes with us so that we can re-create and serve them through October. Check out the menu and find out where you can enjoy the food.
  • Arts SU have a range of events taking place and you can also check out the Halls Life social programme for events too.
  • Explore our Black History Month webpage for all information.
  • Check out our library's Black History guide and Decolonising Libraries guide.