Newham Council are organising a rich programme of events, on- and offline, to celebrate Black History Month. Of particular interest is a talk from Aamna Mohdin and journalist Kimberley Mcintosh, who will discuss both their books – Scattered: The Making and Unmaking of a Refugee and Black Girl, No Magic: Essays and Reflections on Living While Black, taking place on Friday 4 October, 7-9pm
Similarly Tower Hamlets Council has a variety of activities as a part of the Black History Month 2024 to showcase the immense contributions made by those of African and Caribbean descent to British society.
This Black History Month, students and staff are encouraged to stop by for a quick 5-minute registration and a finger-prick test to determine their blood type. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the shortage of Black blood donors and address this important issue.
What's your blood type (stall 1):
Date: Monday 21st October 2024
Time: 11am - 4pm
Location: Library Square, Mile End Campus
NB. Will move to the SU foyer if the weather is poor)
What's your blood type (stall 2):
Date: Thursday 24th October 2024
Time: 11am-4pm. Location: Garrod Foyer, Whitechapel Campus
Please contact su-vpwelfare@qmul.ac.uk if you have any questions!
This year, we are supporting the NHS Blood and Transplant’s (NHSBT’s) #InOurBlood donor campaign. Over the past few years, Queen Mary Students Union have been running drop-in sessions with the NHS to discuss the importance of Black donors. The national campaign to increase Black blood donors continues as this is an urgent priority for NHS Blood and Transplant.
Over the next five years, a million new blood donors will be needed in order to meet the needs of patients.
Did you know? Only 1% of active donors in the country are Black!
Daily, 250 donations are needed to treat sickle cell disease, the fastest growing genetic condition in the UK. Sickle cell disease is more common in Black people and ethnically-matched blood provides the best treatment for the condition. More than 55% of Black people in the UK have the Ro subtype needed by sickle cell patients compared with 2% of the general population.
But the need for Black African and Black Caribbean donors is strongest of all. Conditions like sickle cell disorder – which predominantly affects people of Black heritage – are treated with regular blood transfusions and require very closely matched blood.
Together, we can help people with sickle cell and overcome the stigma around what is the fastest-growing genetic disorder in the UK.
Follow this link to see why we need more donors of Black heritage, to check if you can donate and to sign up to donate blood if you are interested!
QM Food are celebrating BHM with a range of menus inspired by countries from across the world, this will be every Thursday at the Curve Restaurant, 11.30am-3.00pm
Check out this week's Nigerian inspired menu for Black History Month. Make sure you don’t miss out this across October. Check back weekly to see which countries we will be travelling to with QM Food!
Why not come down with your flatmates, friends or colleagues?
Visit the Curve website for more information.
NB These events are targeted to students who are living in halls of residence. Please ensure you have completed your induction to claim your rewards card.
Black Culture Showcase
Location: QM Social
Date : Thursday 10th October 2024
Time: 6:30 – 9pm
Info: Experience Africa and The Caribbean's vibrant flavours, music, and traditions at our showcase. Join us for an evening of delicious food, captivating music and delightful company as we celebrate the rich heritages of these cultures
Please contact e.olabode@qmul.ac.uk if you have any questions!
Friday 18th October 2024
2024 is the 10th Anniversary of Wear Red Day!
This year at QMUL, we will be marking Wear Red Day by flying red flags at the Queens’ Building and the Garrod Building. In addition to this, badges to support ‘Wear Red Day’ will be available to collect at Dept W, the Queens’ Building and the Garrod Building. Why not grab one of these or catch a photo of the flag flying at QMUL! Keep an eye out for where they will be!
Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity. To this day SRtRC continues to utilise the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society and has also expanded into other sports. The majority of the campaign’s work involves the delivery of educational workshops to young people and adults in schools, workplaces and at events held in football stadiums. Across the UK, SRtRC provides educational sessions to more than 50,000 individuals per year. In addition to the direct education of young people and adults, SRtRC produces educational resources, to challenge misconceptions, stereotypes and negative attitudes in society.
Find more information here.