►Black History Month 2012

Black History Month was first celebrated in Britain over 20 years ago. It aims to promote knowledge of Black and Ethnic Minorites’ History, Culture and Heritage. It values the promotion of cross-cultural engagement and learning and seeks to circulate information on the many positive contributions of Black and Ethnic Minority Communities to society.

We employ the definition of Black/BME people to include all those people whose ancestral origins are African, Asian, Caribbean, Chinese, Middle Eastern, North African, Romany, the indigenous peoples of the South Pacific islands, the American continents, Australia and New Zealand.

Unless otherwise stated, all events take place on campus. 

Saturday 29th September

Brighton and Hove Black History Group Presents: Rum and Bass

Join us for a night of Reggae, Rum and rice & peas!

Heading up the night is a live set from the Bristish Reggaue legend, guitarist, bassist and producer Dennis Bovell and band. Plus dub-heavy grooves and rock-steady beats from Prince Fatty featuring DJ Horseman. Authentic island cuisine will be served throughout care of Brighton's own Cummin Up! Chefs.

Brighton Dome, Brighton. 7pm. £10

Tuesday 2nd October

Film Appreciation Society presents ‘Precious’

Set in a tough district of Harlem, the film follows the life of a Black schoolgirl from a violent family who has reached the age of 16 without being able to read or write. Repeatedly beaten up and sexually abused at home, she is offered a stab at happiness via a ‘special-needs’ school and a selection of helpful social workers.

Arts A2. 6pm. Free

Thursday 4th October

Panel Discussion: ‘Fighting Discrimination’

With speakers from NUS (National Union of Students Black Students Campaign), BARAC (Black Activists Rising Against Cuts) and UAF (Unite Against Facism). With fascist groups mobilising, institutional racism and Government cuts targeting BME communities we need to organise and fight back!

Fulton 104. 6pm. Free

Friday 5th – Sunday 7th October

Brighton & Hove Black History Group Presents: The Far Pavilion

Seven films. Five workshops. Four performances. Three live acts. Two art installations. One marquee. One theme: the Arab Spring.

Brighton’s first ever festival of Arabic arts and culture in the Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton

A fantastic line up including: The Turbans, Simo LaGnawi, DJ Couscous, My Big Fat Belly Dance, shadow puppetry workshops, drumming circles, films from Egypt, Syria and Tunisia, Arabic street food, a chai diwan and more!

Find out more at www.thefarpavilion.org.uk  

Tuesday 9th October

Film Appreciation Society Presents ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’

This 1962 American Drama following a lawyer in the Depression-era South as he defends an innocent black man against a rape charge, and his kids against prejudice.

Arts A2. 6pm. Free 

Monday 15th October

Talk: South African Miners confront the Bosses and the State

Two decades after 'majority rule' black South African miners face poverty and exploitation, but the recent strike wave shows they are prepared to fight back in the face of brutal repression. This meeting will ask: Where now for South Africa's working class? And what lessons do their struggles old for workers elsewhere?

Organised by the Socialist Students society

Fulton 201. 6pm Free

Tuesday 16th October

Film Appreciation Society Presents ‘Crash’

A 2004 American drama film about racial and social tensions in Los Angeles, California.

Fulton 104. 6pm. Free 

Linda Bellos: What Has the Impact of Black History Month Been?

Politics Society Present Linda Bellos, the founder of Black History Month in the UK as she discusses the issues still faced by Black Ethnic Minorties in society today.

Fulton A Lecture Theatre. 6-7.30pm. Free

Thursday 18th October

The Black Panther Party: A History of Black Struggle

Speaker: Amin Osman

The Black Panther Party for Self Defence was one of the most inspirational organisations which emerged from the Black Power movement in the US during the 1960s – yet it is still misunderstood and notorious. Who were the Black Panthers? What did they stand for beyond the firearms commonly associated with them? Join Sussex SWSS as we discuss these questions and draw the lessons from their struggles.

Fulton 104. 6pm. Free

Tuesday 23rd October

Film Appreciation Society Presents ‘The Color purple’

Directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the award winning novel of the same name by Alice Walker. The film tells the story of a young African American girl named Celie and shows the problems African American women faced during the early 1900s, including poverty, racism, and sexism.

Arts A2. 6pm. Free 

Sussex University Lecture Series: ‘Do we need Black History Month?’

Speakers include Linda Bellos (Institute of Equality & Diversity Practitioners), Althea Wolfe (Brighton &Hove Black History Month) Prof Clive Webb, Dr Rumy Hassan (University of Sussex).

Brighton Dome, Brighton. 7.30pm. £6 (£4 concession) – includes a free drink

Wednesday 24th October

Brighton and Hove Black History Month Group Presents: ‘Black T-Shirt Collection’

Nigerian born poet and performer Inua Ellams who brought us The 14th Tale and Untitled, performs his new work, Black T-shirt Collection on its first national tour.

Brighton Dome, Brighton. 7.30pm. £12 (£10 concession)

Monday 29th October

ACAS presents: Black History Month Showcase

Sussex African Caribbean and Asian Society present a showcase of talents as the finale to Sussex Black History Month 2012.

Falmer Bar. 7pm. £2 ACAS members / £4 non-members