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Carnival atmosphere at Leeds Met in celebration of Black History Month
18/10
As part of Black History Month, Leeds Met held an evening of events, including the opening of an exhibition of Leeds West Indian Carnival photographs and costumes, and a lecture on ‘Slavery, Yorkshire and the making of British Society’.
The celebrations began with Caribbean food and steel pan music. This was followed by the opening of the exhibition, which included photographs of Chapeltown Carnival from 1975 to 1989 by Leeds Met lecturer Dr Max Farrar. Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Lee welcomed guests to the occasion by quoting the explanation of four carnival values: having fun, speaking out for justice, learning new skills and community celebration. The event culminated with a lecture by Professor James Walvin from the Department of History, University of York. Professor Walvin has been involved in Black History since 1970 and teaches students about anti-slavery, travel labour and trafficking women. He is also a member of the UN committee.
Other contributions from Leeds Met to the event included a viewing of a film on carnival and a bronze sculpture of a young black man’s head by a Leeds Met lecturer.
Black History Month
Black History Month (BHM) has been celebrated in the UK in October
since 1987 when it emerged as part of the African Caribbean
jubilee year Marcus Garvey celebrations. The aim is to recognise
the contributions, sacrifice and achievements of black people
to the political, economic and cultural life of Britain. BHM
is an opportunity for all communities to join together and
acknowledge the richness and diversity of the history of people
of African and Caribbean descent and increase awareness of
the cultural heritage of the black community.
For further information about events being held as part of Black History Month please visit: http://www.leeds.gov.uk/bhm/
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