Oxford University welcomes Black History Month

Oxford University today launches a campaign to recognise British Black History Month. Throughout October events and content streams will run University-wide, across colleges, departments and divisions. The campaign will focus on some of the contributions that Black people and people of Black heritage have made throughout history, to the University, and society as a whole. The event will also reflect on some uncomfortable legacies of Oxford's past as well as ongoing work to improve the diversity of the University's student body, with initiatives unveiled to encourage successful applications from Black undergraduate and graduate students. Now in its 33rd year nationally, British Black History Month has significantly grown in profile, and raises awareness of the role that black Britons have played in British history and the struggle for racial equality in this country. October also marks the anniversary of 100 years since women first matriculated at to Oxford, and the campaign will highlight the stories of some of the Black women whose achievements have contributed to the calibre of the University's academic legacy. Other highlights include the Oxford Black History Month 100 series, which will run weekly in four parts, and showcase examples of Black excellence from around the University and further afield.