1 October 2023 marks the beginning of Black History Month. The month serves as a reminder of the accomplishments and contributions of often overlooked and underappreciated figures in British history.
Many schools still teach a history curriculum which focuses on traditional events and the achievements of white figures. Black History Month gives us the opportunity to share, celebrate and recognise the events and people who have shaped our society.
It also serves as an opportunity to have important conversations about race, as well as a reminder to confront the prejudice and inequality that still exists today.
Get involved
Join in with several memorable, thought-provoking events from our REACH network, and learn about the importance of black history as we highlight key figures who have made a positive lasting impact on our world. Throughout the month, we’ll also be sharing actions we can each take to cultivate a culture of belonging at Carnival UK.
What’s on?
Celebrate with a flavour of the Caribbean, Tuesday 3 October, from 11:00, Atrium
Forget about the cold, and warm up with the rhythms of the Caribbean with our launch event. Join REACH in the Atrium, along with the Pantasy Steel Band for laid back tropical tunes, plantain snacks and delicious drinks.
Win a bottle of Golden Tide!
Choose the song that gets you feeling like you’re on holiday the most and be in with a chance to win a bottle of Golden Tide, Arvia’s golden-aged spiced rum. Submit your vote here!
For lunch, why not try some delicious jerk chicken, macaroni cheese, or a chipotle and lime salad from the Atrium Restaurant with a free taste of authentic hot sauce from Winchester based, Callaloo Corner?
If you love their hot sauce, then you’ll be able to buy your own bottle from Callaloo Corner between 11:00 and 15:00 in the Atrium.
“As someone who loves to cook wonderfully delicious food from my native Trinidad and Tobago, I often created blends of pepper sauces (hot sauces) to infuse my dishes with real Trinidadian heat and true Caribbean flavours. The overwhelming demand and positive reviews encouraged me to share my sauces with the world.“
Meet the author, Simon Hudson, Thursday 12 October, 10:30 – 11:30, Carnival House Atrium
Hear from Southampton author, Simon Hudson, as he shares the journey of discovery that led to his two-volume book ‘History through the Black Experience’.
Taking highlights from his books, Simon will explore the African diaspora presence on the world stage. During the session, there will be the opportunity to ask questions and to buy his books.
If you have a question for Simon, ask it here.
About Simon
Born in Southampton in 1964 to Jamaican parents who arrived in the city in 1957, part of the Windrush generation, Simon trained to be a teacher at King Alfred’s College (Winchester University), graduating in 1987. Now sitting as a magistrate, his passion is to highlight the black contribution to history to promote diversity, equity and inclusivity.
About the session
Due to the interactive nature of the session, this event will take place in person at Carnival House.
Meet the film maker, Olu Rowe, Tuesday 24 October, 13:00 – 14:00, New York (FL0) and Teams
Join Olu Rowe for a thought-provoking Q&A and screening of his short film, The Blackness. Olu was commissioned to write the script for a film which features stories about the experience of black people in Southampton throughout history.
If you have a question for Olu, ask it here.
About Olu
Olu Rowe is a multi-passionate creative who has enjoyed a 30-year career in the music industry. He says: “As a child, I was adopted by a white family. I knew I was different but I was surrounded by love. Growing up my mum was careful to prepare me for the struggles she knew I might face. Now, as a father myself, it has become my life’s work to use my voice for positive change, so that no other parent may need to have those conversations with their child.”
About the session
Feel free to join the session in person, or via Teams.
How can you support Black History Month?
One of the things that makes us great is that we work with people from all over the world. We come from different cultures and backgrounds, have had different experiences, and often share different views. There’s always more that we can do to make sure that everyone feels respected and included, not just during Black History Month, but all year round.
- As well as signing up to one of our internal events, why not join in with local Black History Month events that are taking place across Southampton. Click here to find out what’s on.
- Download the Inclusive Language guide here. The intention of this guide isn’t to overwhelm you with new terms, it’s simply designed to help you find the right words.
- Look back over National Inclusion Week here and learn about the simple actions you can take to be a better ally, every day.
- Learn more about the REACH network and get involved here.