Black History Month seeks to promote knowledge of Black History and experience, to share information across communities on positive Black contributions to British society, and to heighten the awareness of Black people in their cultural heritage.
NUS Black Students' Campaign is therefore encouraging you - with the support of your Black and cultural clubs and societies - to take up activities during this month-long initiative. By embracing our diverse student communities, you can be part of the national drive to educate, inform, celebrate and share the history of all our cultures across our campuses.
The significance of Black History Month should not be overlooked, the struggle of our predecessors great individuals and organizations who challenged the injustice and struggled that plagued society. Their sacrifices should never be forgotten there continuous battle for a better world and their belief in equality should always be remember and celebrated. For without their courage stance may of us would not be here today or educate ourselves.
Ensuring that Black History Month is integrated into education makes real difference. Stephen Lawrence was young black man murdered by young white people. Young people make up the overwhelming majority of perpetrators and victims of racist attacks. Education is vital, in breaking down barriers and prejudice, this notion is supported by the recommendations from the Lawrence Inquiry, which called for diversity in education. As it recognized that learning about the contribution made by Black people to society and civilization is essential in challenging prejudice which leads to racist violence amongst young people.
At the moment Black communities, are being further stigmatised and marginalised by the growing climate of racism in society. We need to be joining campaigns and actively trying to make a difference. This is important if we are to try to make this world a better place. It is important if we are to leave our own legacies, as our predecessors have done before us. Black History Month gives us a platform to highlight all these issues affecting Black people here and around the world.
This year our theme for Black history Month is 'Celebrating Centuries of Black British History' - marking the hundreds of years Black people have been in Britain. Throughout the year we will continue with our campaigns to increasing Black representation, challenging inequality in Education, challenge racism and fascism and for international peace and justice.
In November we will also have our flagship event, the Winter Black Students Conference. This is a two day training events for all African, Arab, Asian and Caribbean students in colleges and universities across Britain. It will include a number of workshops and a diverse range of speakers, from all works of community as well as international speakers. The conference is a great opportunity to meet other Black students from across the country, collect resources and materials produced by the Campaign for national initiatives, and build your confidence in taking up leadership roles in your own union.