Black History Month by Buckinghamshire New University

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CONTENTS Telling stories......................................................................................................4 Inspiring the next generation........................................................................6 Fighting racisim with education ...................................................................8 Why is there even a Black History Month?.......................................... 10 Spearheading change..................................................................................... 12 Help us end racial inequality...................................................................... 14

This booklet contains testimonials written by our staff and alumni during BNU Black History Month 2021. The testimonials are the authors’ own accounts of their personal experiences and their views of Black history and culture

TELLING STORIES

Chicago in the 1930s in order to obtain a job as a clerk so she could financially support her family. Stories can be educational, provocative, discomfiting, inspiring; crucially, they change the way people think about themselves, about others, and about the country in which they live. One complaint its opponents make against CRT is that it encourages telling stories about America’s past that challenge the dominant celebratory narrative of the USA as ‘the land of the free and home of the brave’. As the opening quiz revealed, not everybody who lived in the colonised territories of north America, including millions of enslaved Africans and indigenous peoples, was regarded as belonging to the United Sates that emerged from the revolutionary war against Britain between 1775 and 1783. Despite a civil war which resulted in the abolition of slavery in the 1860s and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, this legacy of constitutional exclusion and racial injustice continues into present. It is revealed in demographic data showing significant racial disparities in family income levels, health and education outcomes, and incarceration rates.

Simon Lee-Price, Student Achievement & Success Senior Lecturer

One activity that participants seemed to enjoy in this year’s Black History Month event ‘Who’s Afraid of Critical Race Theory?’ was the opening quiz. It included questions about the US Declaration of Independence, the abolition of slavery, and British colonialism. Many people were surprised to learn that in keeping with the Thirteenth Amendment of the US Constitution, slavery is still legal in the USA, as a punishment for those convicted of a crime. Critical Race Theory (CRT) has no single point or date of origin but an important moment in its development was educator and civil rights activist Derrick Bell’s foreword to the 1985 Supreme Court edition of the prestigious Harvard Law Review. Instead of

writing a standard legal article, Bell made a radical break with tradition and told stories – four of them in fact – because, he said, he found stories a more powerful mode of expression in the ‘continuing quest for […] racial justice’. Derrick Bell went on to author dozens of short stories, many of which could be classified as fantasy and science fiction. In his best-known story, ‘The Space Traders’, which was also made into a film, aliens land in America and offer its citizens a Faustian deal they cannot resist.

References: 1.Bell, Derrick, Faces at the Bottom of the Well: The Permanence of Racism. New York: Basic Books, 1993, p. 15. 2.Crenshaw, Kimberlé, Neil Gotland, and Garry Peller. Critical Race Theory: The Key Writings That Formed the Movement. Edited by Kendall Thomas. New York: The New Press, 1996, pp. 276–91. 3.Bell, Derrick. Ethical Ambition: Living a Life of Meaning and Worth. New York: Bloomsbury, 2002, p. 79.

Fear of CRT in the USA – and here in the UK, too – is to a large extent fear of stories that reveal historical injustices and their continuing devastating effects. But these stories can also be hopeful. They tell of survival in the face of adversity and encourage resistance. If a country is ever to breathe freely and be at ease with itself, then such stories need to be told – and listened to. In his inspirational book Ethical Ambition, Derrick Bell writes he is committed to ‘radical inclusiveness’. Radical means from the roots upward. Inclusion must start from the roots, taking full account of people’s histories and their stories, or it will never be truly inclusive.

Telling stories, whether fictional, biographical, or autobiographical, is an important aspect of CRT. For example, to explain the concept of ‘white privilege’, Cheryl I Harris wrote about her grandmother who ‘passed as white’ in

INSPIRING THE NE XT GENERATION What does Black History Month mean to you? Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to celebrate and educate on Black heritage. How would you describe your time in education as a Black person? I feel like my time in education was quite normal, I went to a multi-cultural school with kids that had a similar background to myself. I feel like, if anything, it allowed me to understand more about other people’s cultures because it was such a mix of different students. There was never really anything in the curriculum that taught me about other cultures, this was learnt through my peers: the only history of my own culture I learnt was about slavery. Doing a module on sociology at university was actually my first insight into Black culture in education. What one thing would you change to improve the lives of Black people? Eradicate racism, this is a massive and somewhat impossible task, but without racism, the lives of all Black people with improve drastically. What has inspired you to grow during your career? I work within the student recruitment team and have been inspired by working with 6

Nathan Davis, Student Recruitment Officer

students of all different backgrounds. I was the first in my family and from a single parent household who didn’t think attending university was something I would do. I want to motivate other students that university is an option for them even if they think it isn’t. If you could have dinner with any Black person from history, who would it be and why?

footballer I had seen on TV that reminded me of someone from a similar background to myself. You would often see him doing goal celebrations using dancehall (popular Jamaican music) inspired dance moves. I think having dinner with him would just be like having dinner with a family member, even seeing him on TV now he still acts and talks how people I relate to would.

Ian Wright – As an Arsenal fan, Ian Wright has always been someone who I looked up to growing up and the reason why I became an Arsenal fan. Seeing a young Black man from Jamaican parents who got into professional football from the grassroots is something that doesn’t often happen. Ian Wright was the first 7

FIGHTING RACISM WITH THE VOICE OF EDUCATION Mary Mosoeunyane, Senior Lecturer, Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health

What does Black History Month mean to you? While every day is part of our history, because Black people have been ignored in every aspect of life, just existing, contributions not occurring in any platforms (media, education etc), Black History Month gives people a chance to be heard, seen, and a time to challenge collective consciousness of society about historic elements of being-our humanity. How would you describe your time in education as a Black person? One that can break you if you are not resilient. No-one expects you to do well, your position is challenged by the very students. The system does not see you, so how would your colleagues value you? Put through scrutiny of unrealistic expectations, work 10x to make the same point your colleague makes by click of a finger! Your work gets diminished with a need to defend it (microaggressions) – very exhausting! I stayed on because I wanted to fight with a voice of education and to inspire others who feel they cannot survive. What one thing would you change to improve the lives of Black people? Strengthen their worth by acknowledging them in any space. Dismantling structural racism through pedagogy (curriculum that

includes these histories from school to tertiary levels). Influencing policy by removing obstacles that become barriers for positive outcomes. What has inspired you to grow during your career? Not sure I have grown or just existed. Equally, I love teaching human anatomy & physiology – its pleasing when students begin to understand. Persistency to drive race conversations through research within academia and many platforms. But my highlight and legacy is to have been part of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) conversations and research that saw our BAME Staff Network launch in September 2020. Which Black person has inspired you the most and why? Honestly there are many, but Barack Obama. I value his grounded knowledge of self-well rooted and the boldness to address racism. What words of inspiration do you have for fellow Black people? We have a long way to go, we have also come from a far place together and our collective voices tell your story with no bitterness! Love yourself because you are enough.

WHY IS THERE EVEN A

BLACK HISTORY MONTH?

Embedded deep into our psyche is the notion that we are not equal because of how history has panned out. Therefore, a month to recognise and change that perception is not a negative, in fact, it should be for longer than a month. Our contributions, our stories and experiences should not be neglected but need to be included in history.

Kirsteen Samuel, Admissions Team Leader

Why is there even a Black History Month? Why does this race get a spotlight when there are other races and Black people are always talking about injustice and equality? Why do Black people always bring colour into everything? Questions that I’m sure some people may have thought, but maybe not wanted to say or ask out loud. The answers to these questions are plentiful. Here are just a few…

Black History Month recognises the significant contributions from people of African and Caribbean descent. It’s a time to share and celebrate our culture. Black people have moved from being viewed as only slave-worthy to becoming accepted members of society. When understanding the life experiences that enslaved people went through, how they were mistreated, humiliated, beaten, abused and used for free labour, it’s no surprise that Black people are affected and triggered by injustice.

It is a time to introduce the concept to children, to adults that Black is excellence, and not the inferior species and it is nothing to be ashamed of or ridiculed because of the colour of your skin. It’s important to learn about other people’s history, through that you learn compassion and empathy for where people are coming from. If you only learn about one background, for example and not about others, then it just limits you. This year the theme of ‘Proud to Be’ reminds us of the hope for the future. To inspire others to create and leave a legacy to change narratives on how Black people are perceived. We need to rewrite Black History to move away from the negative and to focus and highlight the positives, how we have as a people contributed to make the world a better place.

There has been a shift. There are more people wanting to do more. More people trying to make a change and be aware. It certainly hasn’t eradicated or erased racist acts from taking place but there is opportunity to start a conversation. Yes, at times these conversations may be difficult, but does that mean they shouldn’t be had. Social media is powerful. When used properly, it can be a fundamental tool for creating awareness and raising the profile for important issues. The appetite has increased, and we’ve seen even companies becoming more understanding and willing to make a stand, which shouldn’t be underestimated. In 2021, and beyond, we have to keep reiterating that Black people should experience acceptance, and acknowledgement for their abundant accomplishments that have shaped history. Everyone is equal People have gone through so much to make the world we live in a better place and it’s important and right to acknowledge that, not just for Black people or ethnic minorities, it’s so important for everyone to recognise the struggles that people have gone through to get to where we are now.

SPE ARHE ADING CHANGE superficial headlines, through solidarity, curiosity and deep reflection. For me, Black history is about understanding racism in a wider context and at a crucial time so that we can shape our present and break the cycle. What seem like ‘small’ problems met with inaction, can become bigger problems. Often, we fail to ask ourselves how this forms part of the greater picture. In doing so we run the danger of being complicit. The dilemma is reconciling our intentions with where to begin and taking steps into personal and then collective action. Tackling inequality is an enormous task. It takes time, organisation and a great deal of focus. It is not something that can be achieved by a handful of individuals. Unity is an important step. Standing together redresses power imbalances and it makes us stronger and more equipped. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” (Martin Luther King, Jr., 1965) Karla Inniss, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Business Partner

“Britain is a nation capable of confronting all aspects of its past and becoming a better nation for doing it” (David Olusoga, 2016). Every October I summon the will to reaffirm that Black History Month is important. I strongly battle the belief that Black history should not be about one month before I distinguish that a utopian theory is best won through long term progress and dedication. I want to see a place where Black history is not only acknowledged, but integrated into our everyday, especially when the effects of its absence manifest so starkly in our lives. Until then, we must navigate a society in which we push together to dismantle unjust outcomes.

Though Black history is placed front and centre during October, we must challenge ourselves to be committed to continuing important conversations. In case of any doubt, Black Lives (still) Matter. Many will question how far we have come and how far we still must go. We must be bold enough to resist knee-jerk reactions and instead set ourselves aspirational milestones. We learned some very tough and devastating lessons from the global pandemic. I implore us all to speak of problems that go unspoken, today, tomorrow and the day after. To reject the notion that ‘it’s not as bad as it could be’ and to encourage strides beyond distracting

There are many ways you can be part of spearheading change at BNU. We are picking up significant pace with activity around the Race Equality Charter. The Charter provides us with a framework to develop meaningful and evidence-based activity to advance race equality. This work looks at long term change to tackle institutional racism. Last year we asked some serious questions so that we could learn from you. Your answers along with a multitude of comments are helping to develop actions we will take. Please take the vital opportunity to join the Race Equality Charter sessions. Here we will spotlight race related

incidents and ask you how we could do better. Designing solutions together will create better outcomes for us all. Outside of this session, please contact me to be part of shaping our action plans by being involved in our subgroups. “No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference” (Greta Thunberg, 2019). As always, throughout the year, our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) steering, staff network and workstreams are also open for everyone. You can join discussions on actions about pay gaps, events, talk about decolonising the curriculum and so much more. I would also encourage you to contribute to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. Over the coming months you will see more opportunities to be involved. Please contact me if you have any questions. Poignantly, the theme for Black History Month is ‘Proud to be’. As we take a fresh approach, you should start to see the phrase ‘Being you at BNU’. Perhaps its self-explanatory, but that makes it no less important. People should not have to compromise who they are to have a fulfilling life. As part of our core inclusive values, we all have a responsibility to dismantle barriers so that no one is left behind. Rather than wishful thinking, it is persistent work that will make that a reality. Each time you notice ‘Being you at BNU’, I hope you can sense the effort that goes into making continuous progress. Better yet, I hope it inspires you to be part of driving change here, so we can all be part of making our university a more inclusive place.

HELP US END

RACIAL INEQUALITY I’m sure you will all agree that these are extraordinary times, and, in such times, important issues should be raised. October is Black History Month and the theme this year is Proud to Be and I’m proud every day to be a Black British Caribbean child of Jamaican immigrants and public sector workers. But in the UK, over 3000 Black people have died in police custody, detention centres, prisons or from racist attacks and the institutions which failed to protect them. Over 1500 deaths in police custody, with no convictions. Black people are nine times more likely to be stopped and searched and in the Thames Valley, only one-in-five racist hate crimes result in an outcome for the victim. When George Floyd said those immortal words, ‘I can’t breathe’. It only woke white society up to what People of Colour (POC) have known all along and yet, last month, a 13-year-old Black child, Benjamin Olajive, was filmed being choked by five police officers in London for the unholy offence of carrying an afro comb. When Rashford, Saka and Sancho were called up to take those penalties, I felt a sickness in the pit of my stomach because I knew the painful cost of failure. You see, whilst many white people will not have considered the impact of racism, Black and Asian people were only too aware and when it finally happened and violence ensued in the stadium and online… I cried. It is sad it takes such drastic events to rock people out of the comfortable zone that

racism is a thing of the past. Because whether it is bananas on the pitch or monkey emojis online, our athletes are heroes when they win and racial expletives when they lose. The world of politics is no better, Women of Colour MPs receive 35% more abuse than their white counterparts. This needs to end now. Racism isn’t just about the individual acts of abuse or violence. Racism looks like Black and mixed-race students being three times more likely to be excluded or disciplining them for not assimilating to European hair styles in school uniform policies. Racism is the erasure of Black history and the absence of our role models. Racism looks like a FTSE 100 board, like Parliament or council chamber which does not reflect its community. Racism even looks like a well-meaning joke, an insensitive assumption or a culturally inappropriate costume. We’ve made some progress. Rights have been gained and enshrined in law. There are spaces for discussion around race and racism, but I don’t want to see organisations post a tweet laced with white guilt and good intentions but no action. I don’t want to see any more violence in institutions of the state. I don’t want to hear people talk about BME, BAME or ethnic minority. I’m a member of the Global Majority and I’m calling out for your help. We must do better. As POC and white allies, we must act – we all have the ability to make a change. Whether you’re calling out racist incidents on the bus or employing POC to diversify your workforce.

Picture caption (L to R, Councillor Sophia James, Councillor Alice Mpufo-Coles and Councillor Ayo Sokale, Reading’s three Black councillors)

Whether you’re buying books of Black or Asian authors, or donating to organisations with a focus on equality. As political parties we can encourage POC to stand and as councillors, we have the power to consider how every decision we make affects our communities.

I want to see POC have the same opportunity to be in positions of power. I want black events and activities to be supported by our licencing policies and police. I want our role models to not only be celebrated but supported wherever they may be. And with that I ask everyone who is reading this to help us end racial inequality. Black Lives Matter.

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