What’s On This Black History Month
Black History Month is here, with events, conversations, exhibitions and performances taking place across NTSU, NTU and Nottingham throughout October.
This year is an opportunity to celebrate Black history, culture and achievement, recognise the contributions of Black communities, and create space for conversations about identity, representation and the future.
There’s plenty happening throughout the month, from discussion spaces and creative workshops to live music, theatre and exhibitions. Here are just some of the events you can get involved with.
What's coming up this Black History Month?
Talking Circle: Black Enough, Identity Without a Rulebook?
Monday 5 October | 4.30pm–6.30pm | Global Lounge, City Campus
Who decides whether you're "Black enough"? Explore identity, culture, ancestry and lived experience in an open Talking Circle where you can share your perspective, listen to others and join the conversation.
Black History Month Craft Workshop
Wednesday 7 October | 2pm–4pm | Global Lounge, City Campus
Get creative with clay and fabric portraits inspired by people who have made an impact, celebrating identity, heritage and community through art.
Talking Circle: What conversations do Black students need?
Monday 12 October | 4.30pm–6.30pm | Global Lounge, City Campus
A welcoming space for Black students to come together and talk openly about the issues and experiences that matter to them. Share as much or as little as you want and help shape the conversations Black students want to have.
Black History Month Book Club Read-Along
Tuesday 13 October | 5.30pm–7pm | Boots Library
Discover short stories, poems and non-fiction writing by Black authors in this special Black History Month read-along for NTU students.
Meet Jackie P
Wednesday 14 October | 1pm–2pm | Global Lounge, Clifton Campus
Hear from Jackie P about her 15+ year career across radio, television, live events and community leadership, and explore how creativity, confidence and communication can open doors in any career.
African Soul Rebels
Thursday 15 October | 7.30pm | Royal Concert Hall
Celebrate music from Africa and the African diaspora as African Soul Rebels brings an evening of exciting and innovative live music to Nottingham.
Kente Crafts with The Kente Master
Wednesday 21 October | 2pm–4pm | Global Lounge, Clifton Campus
Discover the history and cultural significance of Kente cloth through a hands-on creative workshop exploring one of Africa's most recognisable textiles.
Suntou Susso & The Gambian Superstars
Wednesday 21 October | 7.30pm | Djanogly Theatre
Experience the music of virtuoso kora player and singer-songwriter Suntou Susso, combining Afro-Manding and Griot traditions with influences from folk, funk, jazz and soul.
NTU EDI Panel Event: Standing Firm in Power and Pride
Thursday 22 October | 1pm–2.30pm | NTU EDI
Join NTU's EDI panel event as part of Black History Month, bringing people together for conversation around power, pride, representation and the experiences of Black communities.
And Still I Rise
Thursday 29 October | 7.30pm | Nottingham Arts Theatre
Dance, poetry, spoken word, rap and music come together in a series of new performances from ten Midlands-based artists from Black, African and Caribbean backgrounds.
Once Upon a Time in Sokoto
Thursday 29–Saturday 31 October | 7.30pm | Nottingham Playhouse
This award-winning production tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a slave and her former master, set against the events leading to the creation of Nigeria.
Explore Black history and culture throughout the month
There are also exhibitions running throughout October, including LagosPhoto: Stories of Movement and Belonging at Djanogly Gallery and the Caribbean Pioneer Gardeners Exhibition at Beeston Library.
LagosPhoto brings together photographers from across Africa and the diaspora to explore movement and belonging, while the Caribbean Pioneer Gardeners exhibition shares the experiences and legacy of six Windrush-generation gardeners at Nottingham's historic St Ann's Allotments.
Black history beyond October
Black History Month gives us an important opportunity to celebrate, learn and have conversations, but representing and supporting our Black students doesn't stop at the end of October.
NTU's Black Leadership programme work throughout the year to provide events, campaigns, opportunities and resources that amplify Black student voices and help build a more equal and inclusive student community.
Explore the Black Students' Guide
Whether you're new to Nottingham or looking for somewhere new to try, our Black Students' Guide brings together recommendations for food, hair and beauty, community, support and more.
Created by NTU's Black Leadership Programme alongside NTSU, students, and staff, it's designed to help Black students find useful services, spaces and communities across Nottingham.
