Black History Month Celebrations at DUSA

Pictured Hassan Mahmood – DUSA Vice President Fundraising (Front),  Marcia Reid Fotheringham (4th from Left), Councillor Georgia Cruickshank, Cheryl-Ann Cruickshank CEO of DUSA, Ajit Trivedi Head of Equality and Diversity University of Dundee, Nyasha Mutembwa (Ash) DUSA President with attendees at Marcia’s Talk ‘It’s Black History Month, so what?’

What do you think is the best way to make a difference in society regarding a particular subject? To steer conversation around it? To encourage people to speak up and express their opinions? To make them feel included and validated? And how do we do it?

At DUSA we do it by coming together and taking small steps to make a difference and by taking some action.

Some of us had the privilege of meeting Marcia Reid Fotheringham who delivered a talk covering the importance of Black History Month as part of a wider cultural programme organised by the University of Dundee (Pictured above).  As a magistrate, Marcia sat in the Adult Courts (crime) and Family Court Panels. From 2019 – 20, Marcia became the first black High Sheriff of Cumbria. She is a strong advocate of racial equity and equality principles and is the Co-chair of the Cumbria Race Equality Network.

Black History Month is celebrated from 1^st October to 31^st October in the UK, remembering important people and their contributions to society. We at DUSA took this as an opportunity to ignite conversations and help people feel included. Our vision is to create a kinder, greener, diverse global student community, creating lasting impact for generations to come. It’s a great opportunity to highlight the achievements of the Black community, celebrate their contributions, educate ourselves about Black History and meet together with allies. There is an abundance of information and learning opportunities available through October and all year round.

October also marks the start of Semester 1 at University of Dundee and this is the time when new and returning students come together, and the University and DUSA wholeheartedly welcomes many students from all over the world.

Our message to all new and returning students, staff and volunteers is simple. ‘There is no place for racism in our community’. We believe that everyone has something unique to offer, we embrace difference and actively include minority and underrepresented groups in everything we do.  DUSA has zero tolerance to all forms of discrimination, bullying and harassment. We are a third party reporting centre for Hate Crime – this means that anyone can speak to us about hate crime and we can report it on their behalf. Find out more about the scheme at Police Scotland.  Further information on Hate Crime can be found here.