Black History Month has always been a very big one for our society and celebrating it is always important, as there is so much to be learnt from the experiences of the past.
This year our society has put on 6 movie nights, 4 of which have a historical angle and 2 are comedies with an all-black cast. The opportunities to show movies like this that break away from traditional cinema constructs and portrays the black culture in a unique way.
We have also collaborated with the History Society, Islamic Society and English Society to organise talks linked with Black History.
On Wednesday we collaborated with EngSoc to host an event called ‘Black Characters in Shakespeare.’ We watched a performance from a local Shakespeare company and then analysed Shakespeare’s use of black characters, their dramatic effect and general ideas about the black culture from the 1600s.
Leeds African Caribbean Society focuses on raising cultural awareness and delivering cultural enrichment through a wide variety of exciting events. If you are not from an Afro-Caribbean background, it can be difficult to be exposed to the culture and it’s rich history.
Our society breaks down these barriers and opens up the culture to everyone. Globalisation and increasing diversity means inclusion is necessary in everyday life.
The History Society have helped us facilitate talks with lecturers from the History Department. A talk introducing The Black Politics of the USA is on Wednesday 29th October, from 17:30-18:30 in Baines 1.13. The lecturer, Say Burgin, will discuss movements from civil rights all the way to the Ferguson tensions of today.
Anyaa Anim-Addo will be discussing ‘The Effect of Tourism and Colonialism on the Caribbean’ on Thursday 30th October in Baines 1.13 at 17:00-18:00.
Our collaboration with Islamic Society is also a very exciting one. Our President, Natasha Mutch-Vidal, and ISoc’s Interfaith Officer, Kyle Gray, will be leading a discussion on ‘African Empires and Mansa Musa, the richest man that ever lived.’ This will take place on Tuesday 28th October in Baines 2.37 at 18:00.
Natasha Mutch-Vidal
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