October is Black History Month (BHM) and this year’s theme, ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride’, highlights the profound contributions made by Black leaders, activists, or pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth. Power represents the influence, leadership, and capacity to effect positive change, whilst pride reflects cultural identity, heritage, and the celebration of Black excellence.
We're encouraging staff and students to get involved and contribute to the conversation. During October and beyond, there will be a number of events, resources and displays for you to engage with across the college. We will also be sharing personal stories from colleagues across the college. Keep your eyes peeled and get involved if you can!
Connecting through food
Food has a wonderful way of bringing people together. Following the success of last year's initiative, our catering team will be making a range of delicious black inspired dishes in our college kitchens. Pay a visit to our canteens on the 7th of October for a delicious Caribbean lunch.
BHM events in Nottingham
There are a number of events and activities happening in Nottingham that bring to life both the pride and power. Take a look at some of these events below.
The Nigerian Kitchen (2nd October)
At the Corner Café in the New Art Exchange, they serve up plant-based dishes from a different culture on the first Thursday of every month. In October, they will be serving Nigerian inspired food for all to enjoy. Meals are served from 5pm and drinks are available to buy at the café. There’s also a free screening of Eyimofe (This is My Desire) at 6:30pm.
Fluent in Both Volume 9: Windrush (3rd October)
This special edition of Fluent in Both will honour the legacy of the Windrush Generation, the Caribbean migrants who arrived in the UK between 1948 and the early 1970s, and explore their long lasting cultural, political, and emotional impact on British society.
This event will spotlight migration, resilience, identity, and heritage stories through poetry, music, and dance while giving space to intergenerational voices.
The Magic of Motown (11th October)
This tribute show will take you back down memory lane with all the Motown classics from artists such as: Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, and many, many more. Celebrate the sound of a generation at Nottingham Theatre Royal.
Ballet Black: SHADOWS (24th October)
October will see the debut of Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black in Nottingham. The first half is a darkly comic ballet adaptation of My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite, exploring loyalty, family secrets, and moral conflict. The second half marks the UK choreographic debut of Brooklyn‑born Chanel DaSilva, whose piece delves into shadow work and the journey toward authentic self‑discovery.
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