Black History Month 2024 - Reclaiming Narratives: RGU Stories

This year, to celebrate Black History Month (BHM), we are joining in on the UK theme but highlighting our diverse community with 'Reclaiming Narratives: RGU Stories'. We caught up with Dr Chioma Onoshakpor, Race Equality Champion at RGU, to learn more about this year's initiatives.

What is this year's Black History Month theme and what does it mean?

"The theme for this year’s Black History Month is ‘Reclaiming Narratives: RGU stories.’ You know, we live in a world where stories in whatever form shape our understanding of culture, and history. Therefore, the power of narratives cannot be overstated. Narratives have the potential to influence how we perceive people around us and even ourselves and ultimately determine whose voices are heard, and, more importantly, whose are silenced.

"That is why this year’s theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ is very important to me in my role as Race Equality Champion of the University, as I see this as an opportunity for more diverse voices to be heard."

How is RGU celebrating BHM in 2024? 

"We have a series of activities planned for the month of October. We have staff-led activities covering areas such as live sessions on reclaiming black contributions to academia, navigating research excellence: grant applications for GEM Scholars, inspiring journeys in professional support services, as well as staff showcase posters, an RGU Walk and Talk, a collection of black history books in the library and a grand finale event to mark the end of Black History Month 2024.

"Most of the staff-led activities will take place online typically during lunch time (12-1pm), so I would encourage everyone to join these sessions as they are career development opportunities for every member of staff irrespective of race. We have consciously put together a diverse mix of well-established panellists from within the institution who would be sharing their career stories. Again, these sessions are open to everyone as this is also an opportunity for informed conversations to happen."

What are your ambitions for BHM 2024 as the Race Equality Champion?

"My ambition as the Race Equality Champion for BHM 2024 is to be deliberate about creating and maintaining an environment that avoids the danger of a one-sided story. To promote an understanding of ‘race and difference’ and the benefits of diversity. My role is to support and amplify this reclamation process, ensuring that the stories we tell and the stories we hear reflect the true diversity and richness of human experience. This would not only honour the past but also pave the way for a future where equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.

"That is why for this year’s BHM events, we will amplify marginalised voices of authors, staff, and students to ensure that their work reaches a broader audience."

If you had one message for people to remember this year, what would it be? 

"Narratives are the stories we tell about ourselves, our communities, and our world. They are the blueprints through which we understand our place in society. However, there is a potential that these stories are often one-sided and controlled by media, by those in power, leading to a dominant narrative that marginalises and erases the experiences of people of colour.

"The origin of colonialism is misinterpreted and goes on to perpetuate negative stereotypes. Reclaiming narratives is about more than just telling different stories, it's about recognising and appreciating the humanity, dignity, and agency of marginalised communities. It involves challenging the dominant narratives that have been imposed on these communities and replacing them with stories that reflect their true experiences and perspectives. 

"Post BHM, the Race Equality Action Group continues to advocate for global ethnic majority (GEM) colleagues and allies. We invite you to join our Team's group where we discuss ways to continue to make our work environment more inclusive, making it easier for everyone to bring their authentic selves to work."

Find out more about Black History Month 2024 at RGU: