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Bucks' New Uni celebrates Black History Month 2020

Bucks' New Uni celebrates Black History Month 2020

Staff and students at Buckinghamshire New University will be celebrating Black History Month throughout October with a series of events that recognise the positive contributions and achievements of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic group communities.

Our celebrations will kickstart today with a staff launch event for Black History Month, led by our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Staff Network, which provides a platform for members to learn about diversity in an inclusive and open environment. The Network is responsible for raising awareness and promoting opportunities for attracting a diverse group of staff and students.

Different themes will shape Bucks’ Black History Month throughout October and they include University members promoting understanding about Black culture, educating and inspiring others, while many will reflect on their personal history and experiences in the UK as Black people or allies of Black people. Bucks' Students Union has planned various activities and events, including film nights and receptions.

Professor Nick Braisby, Vice Chancellor of Bucks New University, is looking forward to the occasion. “Black History Month is an important time in our university’s calendar as it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the history of Black people and the immense contribution they and other ethnic groups make to our University and the society we live in today. Bucks is proud to be a part of this celebration and I look forward to joining events throughout October, including discussions on how we can further improve the success of and support for students from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups.”

The University’s strong performance in widening participation in higher education amongst underrepresented groups, and in supporting all students to complete their studies and succeed, was recently highlighted in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. It showed that Bucks has the 11th lowest Black attainment gap across UK universities and the second lowest in the South East.

Bucks New University continues to make great strides in addressing racial inequalities and create an inclusive culture and environment where individuals are able to thrive, irrespective of their race or ethnicity. To help facilitate progress, we have pledged our commitment to the principles of the Advance Higher Education Race Equality Charter (REC), improving the representation, progression and success of staff and students from different ethnic backgrounds within higher education.