Black History Month 2022

Black History Month is an annual event celebrating Black history, heritage and culture, and the iconic figures that have contributed so much to society. At the University we believe that Black History is more than a month! So from October to December we will be hosting events and holding space to explore Black history, communities and lives.

Our programme of events will provide the University community the opportunity to learn, reflect and have important, and sometimes, challenging conversations about how we move towards a more fair and equal society.

There will be a number of events running during Black History month season, from storytelling, to presenting research and discussions about policing and the Black community. Keep an eye on this page for event details and registration links.

Black History Month is an annual event celebrating Black history, heritage and culture, and the iconic figures that have contributed so much to society. At the University we believe that Black History is more than a month! So from October to December we will be hosting events and holding space to explore Black history, communities and lives.

Our programme of events will provide the University community the opportunity to learn, reflect and have important, and sometimes, challenging conversations about how we move towards a more fair and equal society.

There will be a number of events running during Black History month season, from storytelling, to presenting research and discussions about policing and the Black community. Keep an eye on this page for event details and registration links.

Thursday 6 October 7pm

In the Heat of the Night (1967)

Sidney Poitier’s first appearance as detective Virgil Tibbs investigating a murder in the Deep South, alongside the defensive local sheriff played by Rod Steiger. Directed by Norman Jewison, with jazzy score by Quincy Jones, and photographed by Oscar winner Haskell Wexler. Oscars for Best Picture and Best Actor (Steiger).

Sunday 9 October 1pm

The Harder They Come (1972) Supported by University of Portsmouth

Gritty Jamaican crime film starring Jimmy Cliff, with a groundbreaking reggae soundtrack. Described as “possibly the most influential of Jamaican films and one of the most important films from the Caribbean”.

Tuesday 11 October 7pm

The Stuart Hall Project (2013) Supported by University of Portsmouth

Documentary telling the story of cultural theorist Stuart Hall, who appeared on British radio and television for more than 50 years and spent his whole career exploring how social change makes sense of who we are, what we are entitled to and what society makes available to us. Hall emerges as ‘a calm figure who insists on the fundamental topic of equality’.

Wednesday 12 October 7pm and Sunday 16 October 6pm

Queen of Glory (2021)

A comedy drama set in the Bronx, New York City, it depicts a Ghanaian-American scientist who inherits a Christian from her deceased mother. Written and directed by, and starring, Nana Mensah.

Friday 21 October 7pm

Mississippi Burning (1988)

A historical crime film directed by Alan Parker based on a 1964 murder investigation. Stars Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe as two FBI agents investigating the disappearance of three civil rights workers, who are met with hostility by local residents, police, and the Klu Klux Klan.

Tuesday 25 October 7pm

Summer of Soul (Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021)

An American documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. Winner of ‘best documentary’ several awards, and a Grammy for ‘Best Music Film’.

Saturday 29 October 7pm

One Night in Miami (2020) Supported by University of Portsmouth

Actress Regina King’s electrifying directorial debut. An imagined conversation between young black trailblazers Malcolm X, Cassius Clay, Jim Brown and Sam Cooke when they met in 1964 speaks powerfully to the present.

University of Portsmouth Read, Watch, Listen List

There are loads of lists out there featuring Black talent, history, and perspectives but it means so much more when they are recommended by people we know and trust. Especially if they are experts in their field or have lived experiences. Members of the University community, both staff and students have shared their favourites for you to enjoy.

Read

Our Separate Ways: Black and White Women and the Struggle for Professional Identity by Ella L. J Edmondson Bell and Stella M Nkomo (ISBN 9781591391890)

Suggested bt Belinda Owalla, UoP staff

The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot (ISBN 978-1-4000-5217-2)

The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee (ISBN 978-1-4767-3350-0)

Suggested by Saarah Hossany UoP student and PGM Ambassador

@BlackLiturgies, Instagram account

Project by @colearthurriley

Insightful and elegant poems and quotes that aim to resonate with and uplift black people.

Suggested by Daniella Sijuwade, UoP student and PGM Ambassador

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (ISBN 9780435272463)

Suggested by UoP student and PGM Ambassador

Watch

Judas and the Black Messiah

A true story film about civil rights leader Fred Hampton

Suggested by Alex Donovan Lowe, UoP student and PGM Ambassador

Rise (2022)

A biographical sports drama based on the real life story of the family that produced the first trio of brothers to become NBA champions in the history of the league.

Available on Disney plus

Suggested by Daniella Sijuwade, UoP student and PGM Ambassador

Jackie Aina - content creator Youtube and Instagram

Jacquelyn Lonje Olayiwola Oyeshola Bolayemi Aina (born August 4, 1987), better known as Jackie Aina, is a Nigerian-American beauty YouTuber. She was born to an African-American mother and a Nigerian father of Yoruba descent. She is a social influencer who advocates for visibility of people of colour in the cosmetic industry.

Suggested by UoP student and PGM Ambassador

Listen

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Reni Eddo-Lodge in conversation Podcast

Funny and intellectually stimulating conversation between the author of “Why I am no longer talking to white people about race” Reni Eddo-Lodge and “Half of a yellow sun” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie where they discuss their books, white privilege alongside other relevant issues surrounding black people today.

Suggested by Daniella Sijuwade, UoP student and PGM Ambassador

3ShotsOfTequila podcast

The #3ShotsOfTequila Podcast is a fun and light hearted podcast that gives you an insight into London living, Black London culture and everything that comes with it. No topic is off limits for Marvin Abbey, Mr Exposed and Tazer Black. Have a listen and join in the conversation on twitter using the hashtag #3ShotsOfTequila

Suggested by UoP student and PGM Ambassador

Add to our Read, Watch, Listen by sharing your favourite author, artist, podcaster etc.