Black History Month has been marked across the University and Colleges with a series of events and activities.

Sidney’s MCR Welfare Officer and postgraduate student, Nicole Sithole, organised a Black History Month MCR Formal with a ‘Proud to Be’ theme in College earlier this month. The event provided students with an opportunity to come together to recognise the contribution and achievements of those with African or Caribbean heritage.

Black history month decorations in the dining hall put up by the MCR committee

Black History Month decorations in the College Hall put up by the MCR Committee

Three talented Black Cambridge students visited Sidney to showcase why they were Proud To Be. Osarenkhoe Ogbeide, an Engineering PhD student, comic artist and comedian from Churchill College, opened the event with a presentation of his artwork. He discussed what it meant for him to be part of a minority of Black comic artists in the United Kingdom and how, among other things, his art aims to preserve the legends and histories of different Black communities throughout the world.

Osarenkhoe Ogbeide, Churchill College, discussing his artwork

Osarenkhoe Ogbeide, Churchill College, discussing his artwork

Ranae Dale, an Education, Psychology and Learning undergraduate from Gonville & Caius College graced the MCR with a soulful performance of Adele’s ‘All I Ask’, which added a vibrancy to the evening and received a standing ovation.

Sidney’s own Yasmin Dualeh, a PhD student in History and former BME Officer, closed the event with a talk that introduced some prominent Black British race theorists and their ideas. She ended with a call to the MCR community to speak out against racial injustice.

Sidney Graduate student and former BME officer Yasmin Dualeh, giving her talk

Yasmin Dualeh, Sidney student and former MCR BME Officer, giving her talk

On reflecting about how the event went, Nicole commented, “This formal was important as it created a space where students could celebrate their Blackness in different ways. It was also a wonderful way for the postgraduate community to join in this celebration. I would like to thank the entire MCR committee for their hard work and support in making this event a success. I would also like to thank our three guests, whose preparation for and participation in the event made it an enjoyable experience for all who attended.”


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