The University of Westminster has marked Black History Month with an array of dynamic, vibrant and inspiring events to bring together students, colleagues, alumni and friends for reflection, recognition and celebration aligned with the Black History Month theme of Honouring Our Communities. The events have kickstarted the new iteration of the University’s Black History Year programme.
The programme of events celebrated Black history, culture and community, while creating opportunities for students and colleagues to connect, share experiences and explore issues affecting Black communities today. Highlights included Professor Mykaell Riley’s inaugural professorial lecture, which explored how Black British music has been represented, documented and recognised over four decades of research and creative practice. The University also hosted a BAME Founders’ Club through the University’s WeNetwork, which supported student entrepreneurs and freelancers with practical advice on business planning and funding, and launched the Wellbeing and Black-Led Advancement Collective, a new initiative focused on promoting wellbeing, belonging, representation and opportunities for Black students.
The flagship event was Black History Year (BHY) Celebrates which showcased achievements across education, research, culture and community engagement.
A major highlight of the evening was the screening of a film by award-winning filmmaker and University of Westminster film studies graduate, Boyan Dragomirov. Commissioned by BHY, the film showcased the vision behind the Vitae award-winning BHY Researchers Network, which has become an integral part of the BHY programme, demonstrating the significant contributions of Black academics and researchers across various disciplines.
The evening continued with testimonials from BHY Create students who shared how the bespoke career development programme, designed to build confidence and authenticity through mentoring and storytelling, has shaped their ambitions and future career aspirations as final-year undergraduate and Master’s students.
The audience, which included notable figures such as Honorary Doctorate Levi Roots and Liz Mitchell of Boney M, enjoyed a performance by undergraduate student Joel Marquis-Kumba, showcasing the creativity, talent and cultural richness being fostered within the University's Music department.
The event culminated in the announcement of the Lee Andrew & Hattie Ross Academic Scholarship, made possible by a generous £20,000 gift from Dr Shantella Sherman, Director of The Acumen Group. This scholarship honours Dr Sherman's grandparents, whose belief in education, despite being denied formal opportunities, has inspired generations of their family to pursue learning and achievement. It will support ten Black and Black heritage students over the next two academic years, helping to remove financial barriers and create opportunities for academic success. The scholarship reflects a shared commitment to advancing educational opportunities, celebrating Black excellence and empowering future generations.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to support Black students, colleagues and researchers, along with a call for the wider University community to contribute to the Black History Year Bursary Fund. This fund aims to ensure that future generations of Black students have access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
Dr Deborah Husbands (left) with Dr Shantella Sherman (right)
Commenting on the celebration, Professor Anand, who co-chairs the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee with Dr Husbands, said: “Black History Year is not a month in the calendar; it is a commitment we make every day of the year. What moved me most was hearing our students describe the confidence they have found through BHY Create. I am especially grateful to Dr Shantella Sherman. Honouring grandparents who were denied the chance to study by opening doors for ten of our students is a beautiful way to carry a family’s legacy forward. My thanks to Deborah, Paula Cadenhead and everyone behind the programme, and I hope colleagues, alumni and friends will support the Bursary Fund so that many more students can walk through those doors.”
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on the progress and impact of the BHY programme, which has created opportunities for learning, dialogue and community building across the institution. The programme continues to celebrate Black history, heritage, achievements and contributions while supporting initiatives that promote social mobility, educational equity and student success.
The programme of events along with the launch of the Lee Andrew & Hattie Ross Academic Scholarship and Black History Year Bursary Fund directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about the University of Westminster’s commitment and work towards Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Learn more about the Black History Year programme.
Support the Black History Year Bursary Fund by donating.
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