The University of Cambridge will mark Black History Month in October with a series of events and activities across its colleges. The programming aims to highlight Black talent and provide spaces for discussion on the experiences, contributions, and challenges faced by Black students and staff at the university.
On 9 October, St Catharine’s College will host "My Slave Roots," featuring author Malik Al Nasir, a PhD candidate at St Catharine’s. He will discuss his new book, "Searching for My Slave Roots," in conversation with Dr Amilcar Pereira from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. The event is organized by the St Catharine’s History Society and Faculty of Education, sponsored by the Legacies of Enslavement project and ThinkLab.
"Game On: Sport, Mental Health, and the Future of Black Excellence" takes place at St Edmund’s College on 10 October. This panel includes US Attorney Joe Briggs, Delroy Corinaldi from the Black Footballers Partnership, and Rev. Calvin Taylor Skinner. The evening features the Genius for Men awards ceremony recognizing individuals who expand narratives around Black men and wellbeing.
First-year students are invited to join a Welcome Walking Tour on 12 October led by members of the Black Advisory Hub’s FYI Team. The tour offers insights into campus life from Black student perspectives.
On 15 October at St Catharine’s College, "Black@Cambridge: What lies ahead?" provides an opportunity for staff to share workplace experiences through guest talks and interactive workshops.
Homerton College will hold its annual Black History Month Formal Hall on 16 October, hosted by Lord Simon Woolley. Hughes Hall hosts its formal on 17 October; Gonville and Caius College will do so for the first time on 27 October in partnership with the African-Caribbean Society (ACS) and Cambridge Union.
A forum titled "Through Our Lens: Reflecting on the Black academic journey at Cambridge" is scheduled for Jesus College on 21 October. It seeks to amplify personal stories of Black scholars while addressing systemic barriers within academia.
Hughes Hall presents "Black Divas from the 18th century to today" on 27 October. Singer Lufuno Ndou will perform an aria written for Vittoria Tesi—an influential opera singer—and Carol Leeming will read her poem “Praise Song for Black Divas.” There will also be a discussion about Tesi's influence on modern artists such as Beyoncé.
Murray Edwards College hosts "Reframing Blackness" with Alayo Akinkugbe—founder of @ABlackHistoryofArt—on 27 October. The evening includes a discussion followed by a book signing.
An event remembering the Bristol Bus Boycott takes place at Homerton College on 28 October. Speakers include Lilleith Morrison, Lord Marvin Rees, Professor Jason Arday (University of Cambridge), Lord Simon Woolley (Principal, Homerton College), Dr Walter Milton Jnr., and Zain Kakooza (Homerton HUS BAME Officer).
The university's annual Race Equality Lecture is scheduled for 30 October; further details are yet to be announced.
All events are designed to foster community engagement while reflecting on both historical milestones such as the Bristol Bus Boycott—which influenced Britain’s first Race Relations Act—and contemporary issues affecting Black communities within higher education settings.