A celebration filled with music, food and dance has launched this year’s Black History Season at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).
Students and staff gathered at The Venue@DMU for the first event in a series which will run through the next few weeks, examining issues facing the black community today and celebrating the achievements and contributions of African and Caribbean communities to today's vibrant, multi-cultural society.
Performances by DMU’s Bollywood Dance Society followed drumming demonstrations, with a buffet of African and Caribbean food to try.
There was also a series of information stands around the hall showing the different services available to students throughout the university, including #DMUglobal, i-Buddies and the opportunity to sign up to Stonewall’s No Bystanders campaign, which encourages people to speak up against any form of bullying.
Ben Browne, DMU’s Chief Operating Officer, said the celebration black history was particularly important at the university.
He said: “We have staff and students from more than 135 nationalities here so a celebration like this is important; it recognises a lot of different cultures and backgrounds and shows people how welcome they are, especially given the reaction people have had to the EU referendum.
“And the achievements of black people throughout the world continue to inspire. I think my current black heroes would be Usain Bolt, who has almost effortlessly carried the Olympic movement and the hopes and dreams of the whole black world on his shoulders – and succeeded.
“And then both Barack and Michelle Obama have both demonstrated that black people can cross any barrier. I consider myself to have been successful in what I have done but I have to say, against what Barack and Michelle have done, I feel a little inadequate: it really is amazing.”
Augustus Mbanasor, Deputy President Education for De Montfort Students’ Union, said he felt DMU not only celebrated diversity but was prepared to discuss issues of race and culture.
He said: “I felt it straight away: DMU is different. The Vice-Chancellor is very visible in discussing issues related to diversity and making sure everyone has a voice. There is a real celebration of the variety of cultures and backgrounds we have at DMU and this is another example of that.
“Students feel very welcome here.”
First year Health Studies student Fatima Mohammed was enjoying the launch fair with her friends.
The 19-year-old said: “I came today because I wanted to get information from the stands and I love finding out about different cultures.
“Leicester is very multi-cultural and I think DMU makes everybody welcome. I have spoken here to so many people from all over the world and they feel very comfortable.”
Over the next few weeks, DMU will hold or help present a series of events for Black History Season, including film screenings, speed lectures and jazz performances.
Posted on Friday 21 October 2016