October is Black History Month
What do Tintin and Tina Turner have in common?
They’re both part of Black History Month based at Lincoln’s Bishop Grosseteste University - a series of events to entertain, engage and educate people.
The month highlights the history, achievements, and contributions of black people in the UK – Tina Turner is one of three iconic people chosen because of the difference they have made or make to the wider black community.
Tina sold more than 100 million records worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. She received 12 Grammy Awards, which included a Lifetime Achievement Award and three Hall of Fame inductions. She was the first black artist (and first woman) to be on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
Idris Elba and Benjamin Zephaniah are the other two icons for Black History Month at BGU – the first is an actor, rapper, singer, and DJ.
Zephaniah was a writer, dub poet, actor, musician and professor of poetry and creative writing, who before his death last December had called a village near Spalding home.
Tintin’s appeal may not have faded, but his creator Hergé is now often criticised for his portrayal of race and colonialism within his comics. Both feature in a session led by Dr Adam Hounslow-Eyre and is one a series of talks throughout the month.
Others talks include Black Authors of the 18th Century and The Empire Windrush: Exploding the Myths.
Dr Sheine Peart, Associate Professor in Access, Equality and Inclusion within the Research Team at BGU, takes the lead on Black History Month: “This month students and staff at BGU like many other organisations are celebrating Black History Month (BHM).
“While BHM began in the US to recognise and remember important people and events of the African diaspora, it is now recognised and supported in countries across the globe.
“At BGU we have a programme of events, which are entertaining, educational and challenging - you are guaranteed to learn something new while also enjoying yourself.”
She is particularly looking forward to a special screening of the new, musical version of The Color Purple (pictured) and an Afrocentric Fashion Show in which @lizbunapparels from Lagos Nigeria and Zoe Alphonso have collaborated to produce a new collection of male and female outfits of classic, traditional African attire and casual clothing.
Other features of BHM include the chance to try African/Caribbean cuisine in BGU’s refectory every Tuesday and displays on The Black Presence in Lincolnshire and the national flags of African and Caribbean countries.
For full schedule see under Lifelong Learning in The Hello Lincoln What’s On Guide or visit https://www.bgu.ac.uk/bhm