In the UK, Black History Month is celebrated annually throughout the month of October. 4 weeks are allocated to reflect on the incredible achievements and contributions of Black trailblazers throughout history, and it is a period when their remarkable works are most recognised. Of course, I do share the argument that celebrating the remarkable works of Black leaders should not be limited to one month, but to every month. I also believe that Black History Month provides a unique opportunity to focus our attention on those who have helped shape our world in their various areas of strength.

This year’s theme is “Saluting our Sisters!” and I could not be more excited to use this medium to salute and highlight some of the important Black figures who are often overlooked, ignored or unnoticed. Firstly, I’d like to salute Professor Olivette Otele, the first female Black professor of history in Britain who has continued to use her platform to expose the legacies of the past and redefining the social perception of Black women. I salute our very own Asisat Oshoala, a professional footballer who holds an outstanding 5x record of the African Women’s Footballer of the Year, and an exceptional role model for the younger generation. I salute Ramla Ali, the first female ever in history to compete in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a professional boxing competition, a role model for the younger generation and has continued to use her platform to champion female empowerment. I salute Kym Oliver and Jumoke Abdullahi, who have also campaigned and shaped our thinking about the multiple layers of discrimination that Black disabled women face in societies, and to all the sisters who are breaking barriers in all aspects of their lives – I salute you all.

Education has always been an integral part of Black History Month. Through education, we manage to share awareness where, regardless of ethnicity, everyone can gain a deeper appreciation of the contributions of Black communities in many spheres of life. As part of this momentous occasion, the Black Criminology Network, in partnership with the criminology team at the University of Northampton, will host a series of webinars to celebrate Black History Month. This is a yearly practice at UON criminology, and the line-up for this year’s webinar couldn’t be stronger.

I salute our sister, Dr Leah Cleghorn from Nottingham Trent University, who on Wednesday, provided a sharp analysis of the many legacies of colonialism in the Caribbean,  with a particular focus on punishment and penal systems. While deconstructing the issues of colonial-era punitive policies, Dr Cleghorn reminded us eloquently that much of the Penal Code and criminal law in Trinidad and Tobago derives from British colonial laws and in some ways, rehabilitation and reforms have been slower to take hold. Dr Cleghorn aptly called for the enhancement of therapeutic jurisprudence – as the current penal system continues to fail to meet its aims.  There was so much to unpack from that lecture, and I would like to thank Dr Cleghorn for that comprehensive narrative.

I would also like to salute our sisters, Angela Charles, from Open University who will be leading another webinar on the experiences of Black women in prison on Wednesday the 18^th of October, as well as Dr Janeille Zorina Matthews from the University of the West Indies, Barbados who will be exploring the recently published data on incarceration in the Anglophone Caribbean. Please follow the links to book a free space.  

Apart from these webinars, the University of Northampton will also be hosting a series of other events, from Black academics and authors in celebration of Black History Month. Click here to learn more about Black History Month 2023 at UON.

Though these conversations happen year-round, Black History Month amplifies them. And while there’s still progress to be made, honouring history and showcasing Black excellence at the University of Northampton reminds us of the remarkable potential of diversity. The stories, experiences, struggles, excellence and creativity, emanating from Black History Month continue to make our community more aware, wiser, more just, and more united.

Salute to all our sisters.