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The University of law students' Union
 
 

Black History Month

BHM banner

The Black History Month Planning Group is delighted to launch a programme of events to celebrate Black History Month at The University of Law. 

October marks Black History Month in the UK. The event was officially recognised by the US government in 1976, and first celebrated in the UK in 1987. 

People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. However, campaigners believe their value and contribution to society is often overlooked, ignored or distorted. 

Most schools still teach a history curriculum which focuses on traditional events and the achievements of white figures. Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. (source)

Use this link to register https://forms.office.com/e/zHLihqJe0m

Click here to register for BHM programme

The programme includes

✊🏿 Mixer events at SEVEN campuses
✊🏾 Virtual short film event, reading lists, and digital resources
✊🏽 #FreeYourFro campaign celebrating afro hair

  • ​Wed 11 Oct, 5 - 7pm: ​London Moorgate Staff and Student Mixer EventIncluding food and educational videos
  • Wed 11 Oct, 5.30 - 7.30pm: ​Leeds Mixer Staff and Student EventIncluding food and talks from Black law and business professionals
  • Thu 12 Oct, 5.30 - 7.30pm: ​London Bloomsbury Staff and Student Mixer EventIncluding food and talks from Black law and business professionals
  • ​Mon 16 - Fri 20 Oct: ​#FreeYourFro Campaign
  • ​Tue 17 Oct, 5.30 - 7.30pm: ​Birmingham Staff and Student Mixer EventIncluding food and talks from Black law and business professionals
  • ​Wed 18 Oct, 4 - 6pm: ​Online Campus Staff and Student Mixer EventIncluding educational videos and an opportunity to network and socialise in break out rooms.
  • ​Wed 18 Oct, 5.30 - 7.30pm: ​Bristol Staff and Student Mixer EventIncluding food and talks from Black law and business professionals
  • Wed 18 Oct, time tbc: CV Clinic and talks from the Black Solicitor's Network (Manchester campus only)
  • ​Thu 19 Oct, 12.30 - 1.30pm: ​VIRTUAL Short Film Event (via Teams)
  • Thu 19 Oct, 4pm onwards: ​Manchester Staff and Student Mixer EventIncluding food and talks from Black law and business professionals

#FreeYourFro

Free your fro graphic

A campaign started by the chair of the African and Caribbean Society at the Leeds campus, Keturah Mkumba, in which staff and students who have afro hair texture are invited to free their 'fro during the week of 16th - 20th October by:

  • Taking a selfie wearing a natural or protective hairstyle 
  • Uploading a selfie onto social media using the hashtags #ULaw and #FreeYourFro
  • Sending a screenshot of the post to EDI@law.ac.uk

The judging panel, comprised entirely of staff and students who define as Black or have Black heritage, will determine winners based on submissions that best exemplify pride in hair.

  • 1st prize: £50 shopping voucher
  • 2nd prize: £25 shopping voucher
  • 3rd prize: £25 shopping voucher

Staff and students at ULaw should always be able to wear their hair in natural or protective hairstyles for their hair type without fear of discrimination. This campaign aims to highlight this fact, increase visibility in the ULaw community and celebrate those with afro hair textures. 

Terms and conditions for Free Your Fro campaign

In making a submission, participants agree to the use of their picture in the announcement of the winners social media posts, both internally and externally of The University of Law, and other related Black History Month activity summaries, where applicable.

Eligibility

  • Submissions must be made on a personal social media account that is visible to the public so that the post can be verified by organisers.
  • The photo must be an individual shot of the participant, and not include any other people.
  • The participant must be a current student or staff member submitting a picture of themselves.
  • The photo post must use both hashtags #ULaw and #FreeYourFro o Only those who have afro hair textures are eligible to win any of the prizes.
  • A screenshot of the picture must be sent to the EDI@law.ac.uk address. If it has been sent via a non-ULaw email account, the organisers will respond to request that an additional confirmation email is sent from their ULaw email account. o The submission must be made between 12.00am on 16th October 2023 and 11.59pm on 20th October 2023 to be eligible for a prize.
  • The participant must not reference any other campaigns in their submission, including those of a controversial nature and those that would otherwise be prohibited under the student or staff code of conduct.

Prizes

  • The judging panel, comprised of volunteer staff and students who define as Black or as having Black heritage will determine the winning submissions.
  • The winners will be announced by 30th November 2023 and winners will be notified via their ULaw email address. If no response is received within 14 calendar days of the notification email, the prize will not be awarded.
  • The prizes are in the form of e-gift cards. The winners will have a choice between Amazon or Love2shop voucher and the e-gift card will be sent to the winners' ULaw email address. 

Additional Activities

These activities are made possible by members of staff and students volunteering their time with support from the EDI team. If you would like to set up an event or initiative, or have any queries related to EDI, please contact EDI@law.ac.uk and the EDI Team will be happy to discuss this with you.