Free lecture to mark Black History Month

Black History Month will be marked at York St John University on Thursday 18 October with a free lecture from equality and diversity consultant Yvie Holder who has devoted her life to promoting human rights and social justice in this country, particularly in York and Yorkshire.

The lecture on 18 October is entitled Hidden Histories: Have You Been In This Country Long? and will present a thought provoking tale based on the real life experiences of people who are often asked ‘Have You Been In This Country Long?’

As part of the University’s Go York series, the lecture will explore what part Yvie’s ‘country’ has played in contributing to her life in York. Yvie will take everyone on a whistle-stop tour through the influences and events that have shaped her life, visiting the colonial Caribbean, 1950’s Britain and late-twentieth century Yorkshire.

The lecture is hosted by the University's Centre for Global Education York (CGE). Jenny Zobel, Education Consultant at CGE said: “ For almost 20 years, The Centre of Global Education has been working to promote human rights, social justice and a just and sustainable future for all, and we are thrilled to be hosting Hidden Histories: Have You Been In This Country Long?. This is a fantastic opportunity for the local community, as well as staff and students, to mark Black History Month and I’m sure everyone will be hugely inspired by Yvie Holder.”

Yvie has been promoting diversity and equality, in both a personal and a professional capacity for over 30 years. Formerly a teacher of English and Drama in Leeds Education Authority, she has experience in a wide range of voluntary and community activities, including trades’ union work, community relations, school governing, mentoring, local politics and work with older people. She has been instrumental in the setting up of various initiatives in York, including the York Racial Equality Network, which has celebrated its 20^th anniversary this year.

Go York is a series of lectures which bring together York St John University’s eminent academics, high profile speakers and the local community for a series of events to be enjoyed by all.

Hidden Histories: Have You Been In This Country Long? will take place in Fountains Lecture Theatre at York St John University at 6:30pm on 18 October, attendees are welcome to arrive from 5:45pm for refreshments and the opportunity to network.