Westminster’s Black History Year (BHY) Beyond Books event was a space to discuss David Olusoga’s Black and British, a book that offers an insight into the history of Black British people and their contributions to British society.
Published in 2016, the book explores the relationship between Britain and the people of Africa. Throughout the text, Olusoga looks at new genetic research, records, contemporary interviews and testimonies from experts stretching back as far as Roman Britain to find out more about Black British histories.
The event provided a platform for discussion on topics such as Black British identity, the impact of colonialism and the contributions of Black people to British culture. It was led by Zahrah Surooprajally, the University’s Events Manager and EDI Programme Coordinator. It featured a short video by David Olusoga which set the context for the discussion that followed. Using a series of prompts, attendees were asked to reflect on the role power, race and racism have played in shaping Britain’s economy and identity. The activity opened up debates on various topics, such as the Windrush generation, Black Lives Matter and the politics of colonialism in the African diaspora. The audience was also asked to vote on the media choice for the next event – the third in the series - which will be a film screening and panel discussion which will take place next year.
The BHY Beyond Books initiative was launched in April 2023 to provide a space for staff, students and the public to critically review representations of Blackness in the media using discussions and performative dialogue, with the first event in the series reviewing Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You.
As part of the Black History Year programme, the goal is to encourage open conversations on Black identity representation in arts and culture and to give people the opportunity to delve deeper into Black history and explore the nuances of contemporary Black culture through literature.
Dr Deborah Husbands, Reader in Psychology and Lead for the Black History Year Programme, said: “Beyond Books creates an exciting opportunity to discuss Black identities in popular culture. Taking a trans-media approach means we can look at these contributions through multiple lens and draw on our experiences to give meaning to what we see, hear and read. Our conversations are enriched by the voices of our students and external guests, and there is always something new to take away from each of these events.”
Find out more about Black History Year.
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