Increasing awareness of local Black History and fostering a more inclusive Faculty community.
Throughout the month of October, the Faculty launched the Leeds Black History Walks, an initiative designed to increase awareness of local Black history and foster a more inclusive Faculty community. The walks were led by Joe Williams from Heritage Corner, who has been delivering the Leeds Black History Walk since 2009. Originally part of a Chapeltown community initiative with the Leeds Be-Centenary Transformation Project, the walk aims to transform perceptions of African contributions throughout history.
Participants learned about historical figures and stories such as Nesyamun (the Leeds Mummy), the Queen of Sheba, Queen Hatshepsut, the Nubian Pharaohs, and Emperor Septimus Severus, alongside Olaudah Equiano, Sarah Parker Remond, Prince Alamayu, and David Oluwale, among others. The experience offered a rich and dynamic exploration of African heritage and its lasting impact on local and global histories.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and the walks were beautifully captured by Leeds Student TV. The video provides a glimpse into the engaging storytelling and vibrant atmosphere of the event.