October is Black History Month. In this period we celebrate the amazing achievements and contributions of the Black community in the United Kingdom while pointing out and trying to address the inequalities that still persist today. The origins of Black History Month trace back to 1970 when Black educators and students at Kent State University in the United States proposed to dedicate the month of February to celebrate Black history. While the initiative spread across American universities in the following years, Black History Month first occurred in the United Kingdom in 1987.

In 2022 the theme of the celebration is Time for Change: Action Not Words, which aims to focus on the future of Black communities in the UK. This year’s BHM focuses on action to tackle racism and reclaim Black history.

As in previous years, KCLSU joins in this celebration and remembrance with a series of events and initiatives for students to get involved in. This year we launch Black Students Talk to provide a safe space for Black-identifying students to meet, learn and manage their mental health and wellbeing.

Students will also have a chance to take part in a Liberation Ball, exploring and celebrating the history of London ballroom culture through an informative panel followed by a ball. There will also be an opportunity to meet Black Student Leaders heading our student groups and societies during an evening at The Vault. Black History Month 2022 will also mark the launch of the Dismantle King’s Colonial Legacy campaign. This initiative will feature a series of talks and discussions with activists and academics to address and dismantle the legacy of colonialism and structural racism at King’s.

To find out more about our events and get involved visit the  Black History Month page.