Campus call for change

Bellavia Ribeiro-Addy, Black Student Officer, National Union of Students, urges everyone to join in the Black History month activities.....

The Black Students’ campaign is calling on students to actively celebrate Black History Month on their campuses. In an ideal world, Black History Month would not be necessary, because educational establishments and the national curriculum would fully recognise and appreciate the contribution of Black people throughout history.

The changes to the curriculum will help many young people learn about the great people from whom they descend. It is often said that in order to know where you’re going you need to know where you come from. I feel that if there was a greater understanding of what we as Black people have and can achieve there would be a greater sense of pride amongst us. We would actively challenge the inequalities that we face and be adamant in ensuring that we do not live up to degrading stereotypes.

Black people have always been at the forefront of human development but this fact continues to be ignored. The importance of Black History Month therefore cannot be overlooked, as it is a time that allows us to reflect on the achievements, and to remember these good and the great from amongst us who have challenged the norm and struggled to make the world a better place. If we want an inclusive society then we need an inclusive history. Awareness of all our histories breaks down barriers and leads to co-operation on all sides and progress for all. Black History Month also allows the wider community an opportunity to acknowledge and respect the contributions that have been made to world development by people of colour. Unlike years ago, we are in a more privileged position, in that the sacrifices that were once made may not be reciprocated if we do not pay due respect to those who came before us. Respect can be demonstrated by getting involved.

At the moment, Black communities are being further stigmatised and marginalised by the growing climate of racism in society. There has been an unprecedented increase in the number of stop and searches by the police and an increase in race and faith hate crime. The developing world is besieged by poverty, ill health, in particular HIV/AIDS, conflict and rising debt. We cannot continue to ignore the issues of the global south, as ultimately these issues are our issues. We need to be joining campaigns and actively trying to make a difference. This is important if we are to try to make this world a better place. It is important if we are to leave our own legacies, as our predecessors have done before us.

Black History Month gives us a platform to highlight all these issues affecting Black people here and around the world. For Black students it gives us an opportunity to complete our education and fill in the gaps that the education system continues to leave out.

For more information see www.nusonline.co.uk & www.officeronline.co.uk

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