The student union of Bournemouth University celebrated Black History Month in style this October, with its inspiring Black Culture Fest.
An event dedicated to honouring black achievement, culture, and community.
The festival brought together students, staff, and local guests for a day of empowerment, creativity, and reflection on the importance of representation and unity.
The event showcased the incredible contributions of Black individuals across history and today, from activists and artists to innovators shaping the future.
Louise Boston-Mammah, from the charity DEED (Diversity, Education and Equality Development), spoke about her own experiences living in Bournemouth and the sense of displacement she felt as a Black woman in a predominantly white area.
She said: “I asked myself do I belong here? It has always haunted me.”
Boston-Mammah expressed a strong interest in learning more about Black history in Dorset and found that the region has diverse cultural roots.
She aims to remind everyone that Black excellence is not just about success, it is also about connection, discovery and belonging.
She said: “People need to do some learning and need to understand that all sorts of different people can belong and connect with a place.”
The festival itself was a feast of culture and community.
Guests enjoyed a live hair-braiding show celebrating the artistry and heritage of African hairstyles.
Turtle Bay added flavour to the event, serving free cocktails and wings.
The venue was filled with posters honouring iconic Black historical figures such as Harriett Tubman.
The Black Culture Festival was a testament to unity, pride, and progress.
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