Black History Month 2023
Black History Month in the UK occurs every year in October, and was created to celebrate, recognise, and bring visibility to the contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout British history. It’s about honouring and elevating this community of people who have faced systemic racism, discrimination, and marginalisation, but have still made significant contributions to British society in various fields such as art, music, literature, politics, and more.
The month is an opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and experiences of Black people in the UK, and to celebrate their resilience and contributions to the country's development. It serves as a reminder to continue the fight against racism and inequality towards black individuals, both past and present, in the UK and around the world.
The theme of 2023 is 'Celebrating our Sisters / Saluting our Sisters/ Matriarchs of Movements’ with a focus on the female experience of Black history. It aims to highlight the crucial role that Black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. And this year’s celebration will showcase pioneering Black women who have made remarkable contributions to literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more.
As such, ahead of Black History Month, we have also spoken to a few alumnae about their achievements as well as their views and experiences; which you can read about by clicking on the individual profiles below. (Please note the views expressed are of invididual alumnae and not their employers.)
You can also read about events, resources and support being promoted this month by the University on this web page.
Alumna Andréa Hounto (History and Politics, 2016) was President of the Afro-Caribbean Society and BAME Officer on the Students’ Union’s Liberation Committee during her time studying at our Penryn Campus. She is currently working as a Barrister and we caught up with her to find out what achievements she's most proud of ahead of Black History Month 2023.
Honorary Graduate (DLitt, 2006) and former University of Exeter Chancellor (2006 - 16), Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE DL, is an actress, singer, presenter, writer, politician and campaigner. We spoke to her to find out what Black female role models inspire her.
Alumna Basirat Razaq-Shuaib (Finance & Investment, 2009) is the founder of The Blooming Mum and a PhD Researcher at the University of Cambridge. We chatted to her ahead of Black History Month 2023 to find out what the month means to her.
Recent University of Exeter Honorary Graduate Melanie Eusebe MBE (HON LLD, 2023) is a Director at Google leading Diversity and Inclusion across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, founder of the Black Business Awards, author and entrepreneur. We spoke to her ahead of Black History Month 2023 to find out what the what she'd like the future to look like, and more.
Alumna Nasara Al-Hassan (Medical Science with Professional Training Year, 2021) has recently graduated with a Master's of Public Health from Imperial College London with a current interest in women’s health research. She was also the President of the African Caribbean society during her studies at Exeter. We spoke to her ahead of Black History Month 2023 to hear her advice for students and alumni.
Alumna Tinashe Verhaeghe (Accounting and Finance, 2011) is a Senior Advisor (Equality Charters) at Advance HE. We caught up with her ahead of Black History Month 2023 to find out what the legacy she'd like to leave behind as her place in Black history.