It's Black History Month!

Black History Month aims to promote and celebrate the contributions the Black community has made to British socieity, as well as help cultivate an understanding of Black history. 

We, your Students' Union, have created a list of recommendations for you to try out this month, from books to read to local businesses to support, as a way for all of us to get involved, celebrate and learn about more Black history and culture.
 

Events across Southampton

• Solent SU Live Music Event: We are hosting a live music event for Solent Students as a celebration of Black culture and history featuring great student performances and a soundtrack of Black music - it's going to be one you do not want to miss! Register for your free ticket here.

Book recommendations 

• The Colour Purple by Alice Walker – Depicts the lives of African American women in early twentieth-century rural Georgia. TW: The book covers sensitive topics including domestic and sexual abuse.
   
• Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates – Pivots from the biggest questions about American history, surrounding an empire built on the idea of ‘race’.
   
• Becoming by Michelle Obama
   
• Such a Fun Age by Kiley Ried – A story about race and privilege, set around a young Black babysitter, her well-intentioned employer, and a surprising connection that threatens to undo them both.
   
• I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown – This is a book about how, even in a time when predominantly white institutions are trying to get it right, there remains many ways that we are blinded to the realities and effects of racial bias in our midst.
   
• Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge – This book covers the frustrations with the way that discussions of race and racism in Britain were being led by those who weren’t affected by it.
   

Local businesses in Southampton to support

• African Activities  – A local organisation that offers the opportunity to engage with Black and African culture by sharing superb creative artistic experiences, e.g., drumming, dancing, textiles, art, song, storytelling.
   
• Harmony Hair – An Afro-Caribbean hair and beauty salon, with styling and products.
   
• M3barbers - A young qualified barber that runs a hair and beauty studio, catering to both men and women.
   

Charities

• BLAM UK - BLAM UK is a not- for- profit organisation, who's mission is to champion Black British culture capital and creativity, provide a comprehensive and decolonised education, whilst helping to support social inclusion of the community through advocacy and mental health support.
   
• Black Minds Matter - BMM UK works to provide free, 1:1, culturally relevent therapy for Black people in the UK.
   
• Imkaan - A charity dedicated to supporting Black women who are a victim of violence.
   

• Black LGBTQIA+ Therapy Fund -  A charity that aims to help Black LGBTQIA+ with the impacts of challenges they may face due to their identity. The team pair Black LGBTQIA+ with Black LGBTQIA+ therapists who help individuals deal with their retrospective concerns.

• StopWatch - StopWatch is a charity that aims to "address excess and disproportionate stop and search, promote best practice and ensure fair, effective policing for all."
   

Local places to eat and shop

• Eddoes Direct - An Afro-Caribbean shop with a huge selection of spices and vegetables.
   
• Mbuntu Cocktail Bar - A restaurant and cocktail bar, which serves food and drinks from all around the world, representing different ways of life and of living. 
   
• Joyd Kitchen - Joyd Kitchen makes home-cooked, fresh and delicious African cuisines for catering, from takeaways to weddings.
   
• Carribean Spice and Jerk - A local restaurant serving Trinidad and Jamaican signature style dishes.
   

Activists 

• Don John - Don John has been working in the field of race and diversity for over 40 years. As part of his extensive work for the community, Don was a Southampton ambassador for Southampton's bid to win City of Culture 2025.
   
• Lou Taylor - Lou has more than 20 years' experience in media, advertising and community-based enterprises. Since 2015, he has been responsible for running Black History Month in Southampton.
   
• Olu Rowe - Olu is a multi-passionate artist who dedicates his career to spreading a postive message of diversity and inclusion thorugh his love of the arts.
   
• Professor Jason Arday - Jason is the youngest Black professor at the University of Cambridge, and is known for his research on race and racism.