Newham Council are organising a rich programme of events, on- and offline, to celebrate Black History Month. Of particular interest is a talk with Newham born and bred Olympic Christine Ohuruogu, Queen Mary alumna - "In Conversation with Christine Ohuruogu" takes place on 2nd October, 7-9pm.
This year, we are supporting the NHS Blood and Transplant’s (NHSBT’s) #InOurBlood donor campaign. Last year, Queen Mary Students Union ran 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, 11.00am-3.00pm.
Why not come down with your flatmates, friends or colleagues?
Check out this week's Kenyan inspired menu for Black History Month. Make sure you don’t miss out as this is the final week. This year, we’ve travelled to Nigeria, Ghana, and the Caribbean with QM Food!
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 Owned Market Trip
Date : Saturday 07 October
Time: 12pm - Meet at Residences Reception
Info: To kick off Black History Month, Residential Assistants will be taking you on a trip to the Black Owned Market at Bohemia Place in Hackney. This event is a chance to try some amazing Afro-Caribbean food and shop at local Black-owned businesses.
An evening with Paterson Joseph at Westminster Abbey
Date : Thursday 12 October
Time: 5:45pm - Meet at the Residences Reception
Info: Continuing with our Black History Month celebrations, join us for an unforgettable evening with renowned actor Paterson Joseph as he brings to life the inspiring journey of Charles Ignatius Sancho, a former-slave-turned-bestseller-author. Check out the Residential Life website for full details.
Grand Union Orchestra Performance
Date: Friday 27 October
Time: 6:30pm - Meet at the Residences Reception
Join us as we go and watch the Grand Union Orchestra perform a musical showcase filled with afro/jazz compositions that celebrate the West African and Caribbean elements of the group. Check out the Residential Life website for full details.
Friday 20th October 2023
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.