BHP 2024

The Black Humanities Project returned to deliver their second annual event; Expose. Explore. Empower. at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Art which was attended by around 30 year 9 students from Black and minority ethnic background.

Activities at the event aimed to:

• Expose hidden and untold stories of Black and Minority Ethnic figures through interactive activities.
• Increase understanding of what skills can be developed on an arts and humanities course.
• Explore the myriad of graduate opportunities for arts and humanities students.
• Inspire young Black and minority ethnic students to consider studying an arts and humanities degree at university.
• Empower young people to make a more informed decision about their futures.

Forgotten Faces: A Journey Through Unequal Legacies​

This workshop gave participants an interactive opportunity to learn about Black and minority ethnic figures who have been forgotten or whose stories do not get told. Participants developed knowledge of these figures and gained more context as they compared them to people they may have already heard of.

By exploring a wider array of historical figures, participants gained understanding that the people they learn about in school are not necessarily the only figures of their time and that there were many black figures doing similar, and in some cases, better work than the white figures who tend to be more famous.

Piece by Piece: Exploring Humanities Graduate Opportunities

Participants embarked on an exciting journey with this engaging activity that invited participants to dive into the world of humanities degrees and the myriad career paths they can unlock. As they pieced together the jigsaw puzzle, they uncovered the diverse opportunities available to arts and humanities graduates. From creative industries and education to public service and beyond, this interactive experience not only challenged their problem-solving skills but was a fun and informative way to connect interests and passions with professional aspirations.

Sky High Debates: Arts and Humanities Hot Air Balloon Challenge

This activity introduced participants to significant Black figures in various humanities disciplines, including literature and creative writing, history, visual arts, music and performing arts, and academia.

After they had learnt about the various Black figures, they embarked on a hot air balloon journey which turned into a life or death situation as the hot air keeping them aloft is rapidly being lost through a hole in the balloon. Only one of them could survive! But who?

From the information they learnt about their person, they defended their character and fought for their survival by arguing why they should stay in the balloon based on their contributions and significance.

Rhythms of Resistance: Exploring Humanities through Rap and Music

The event culminated in a rap battle in which participants were challenged to write and perform a new rap. The winning group walked away with the highly coveted Black Humanities Trophy.

They used powerful stories of influential Black figures and used rap as a vehicle to share information about their lives and struggles of these icons. They experienced how music can shape the world and serve as a compelling medium for social and political commentary, transforming storytelling into an art form that inspires and educates.