Black History Month colours

October

Theme: Black History Month

Each year throughout October, QMU recognises Black History Month: a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions and histories of Black people in the UK and around the world, and to raise awareness and campaign against present-day racism.

It is important to recognise that Black history should be part of how we look at history in general and not just siloed into a month, but we recognise that, in a structurally racist society, there is a need to focus awareness in this way.

QMU is on a long and deep journey to tackle racial inequalities. Building on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) work at the University, Professor Paul Miller, Dr Leroi Henry and Dr Kenisha Linton-Williams have carried out an in-depth EDI culture review of the experiences and outcomes of ethnic minority staff and students.

The findings from this review were published in 2024 and have enabled QMU to strengthen and develop a meaningful EDI anti-racism strategy and action plan.

Amongst the commitments made as part of our EDI Culture Review, QMU has committed to hosting an annual Black History Month Lecture, open to all staff and students. More information on this will be available later in the year through our News and Events pages.

Black History in Scotland

Black history is Scotland’s history. It is as crucial as ever that Black history is celebrated in Scotland. This only happens with a change in our history and heritage sectors and our education system. Black history needs to be more integrated into the ways in which we teach and tell stories about Scotland. This encompasses the history of African, Caribbean and Asian people in this country; people who often have a direct link with Scotland through slavery, colonialism and migration. Black History Month focuses on people whose sacrifices, contributions and achievements against a backdrop of racism, inequality and injustice are often forgotten about - Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER)

Key Dates

1st – 31st October – Black History Month

1st – International Day of Older Persons

9th–15th – Baby Loss Awareness Week

10th – World Mental Health Day

14th – Allied Health Professions Day

17th – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

18th – Menopause Awareness Day

21st – International Pronouns Day

26th – Intersex Awareness Day

Religious Dates

2nd – 3rd - Shemini Atzeret (Judaism)

3rd – 4th - Simchat Torah (Judaism)

11th - First Day of Sharad Navratri (Hindu)

20th - Dussehra (Hindu)

31st - All Hallow’s Eve (Christian)

31st - Samhain/Hallowe'en (Wicca/Pagan)