Suffolk Students' Union calls for the decolonisation of the school curriculum in the UK
The University of Suffolk's SU has organised a range of events for Black History Month.
The decolonisation of the UK school curriculum is one of the aims of the University of Suffolk's Students' Union this Black History Month.
They've organised a range of events throughout October, which include 'Decolonise Education open forum' next Thursday (15th).
Vice President of the SU, Mauro Cardoso, told Greatest Hits Radio how important education is in ending discrimination.
He said: "With all our events this month we're hoping to remember, educate, and celebrate. We feel that these three components are crucial for Black History Month.
"We want people to remember the history, what we went through and how far we've come. To educate the whole world because I believe educating, especially at a young age, will reduce the chance of discrimination and racism.
"And to celebrate all the accomplishments, achievements and journey of Black people."
He also explained that, as a child, he never got to learn about the rich history of Black people.
Mauro continued: "I personally don't think enough is done to educate people on Black History in the UK. At school I was never taught about Black History, this year things started to look a bit more positive and I thought major changes were going to happen.
"I hope companies, schools and universities are supporting their Black staff and students more than ever, because discrimination has happened for many years now and I still can't believe in this day and age there are still debates on racism."
Also included in their month of celebrations is Celebrating the Windrush Era (13th), the launch of the Black Excellence Gallery (19th) and the BHM Celebration (30th).
Jay Chandler, who's the BAME Officer at the SU, said this year's Black History Month has an even deeper meaning than before.
She explained: "Every year Black History Month comes with deeper reflection, soul searching and even evolving in meaning. However, this year has highlighted the profound cracks of the structural and systematic racism in our society.
"The Black Lives Matter campaign and protests in the wake of George Floyd's inhumane death in America saw a paradigm shift and exposed further the injustice and unfairness faced every day by Black people.
"It is unfortunate that his death had to be the breaking point which saw thousands of people from all walks of life and culture marching through the biggest cities in Britain and around the world demanding justice."
"This Black History Month 2020, despite the devastating impact of Covid-19 around the world, we are taking a knee and a stand saying 'enough is enough' for every Black, Asian and ethnic minority whose lives are affected at the hand of racism and injustice."
You can find out more about events planned for the rest of Black History Month on the Students' Union website.