Lancaster University Library celebrates Black History Month

October is Black History Month, and staff and student groups from across the University have partnered with the Library to put on a number of events and activities throughout October to celebrate and recognise Black History Month, in addition to showcasing some of the fascinating collections available at Lancaster University Library.

Black history month

'Saluting our Sisters’: This year’s theme for Black History Month

To celebrate Black History Month this year, the Library team have been working on organising events and resources on the theme of ‘Saluting our Sisters’. Black women across the world have played a transformational role in history and continue to shape and build society today. This October is a time to reflect on their inspirational influence on everything from art and literature to politics and healthcare. However, we have to acknowledge the twin challenges of sexism and racism that Black women are continually forced to overcome, and the need for all of us to ensure that Black women's contributions to our history and culture are celebrated all year round.

There are many ways in which you can take action and add to your knowledge. We invite you to attend the events we have organised (as seen below) and welcome you to delve into one or more of the books or online resources available through our BHM Reading List or the LibGuide we have created based on this year’s theme of ‘Saluting our Sisters’.

Exhibition and events:

Here to Wonder exhibition

We are delighted to announce that from the 9th-23rd of October, we will be exhibiting the work of Lela Harris in our exhibition space under the stairwell space on A-floor. This unmissable exhibition will showcase some of her original illustrations for the Folio edition of The Colour Purple and some of her newest work on celebrating “beautiful ordinary women”.

Events

Tuesday 10th October 2023 (1-3pm): 'Taking Teaching To The Streets': Grassroots Education In 1970s Black Britain

Thursday 12th October 2023 (2-4pm): Malika Booker: Reading and In Conversation

Wednesday 18th October (1-3pm): 'Talking to Transgress’: Decolonising as the Practice of Freedom

That Great British Documentary: Showcase *POSTPONED* This event has been postponed. Please check back for the rescheduled date!

Monday 23rd October 2023 (4-6pm): Learning Blackness in Higher Education History

For more information contact: library@lancaster.ac.uk

Image credit Lela Harris

Black history month artwork

Photograph: Lela Harris