Black History month event to celebrate cultural icons and freedom fighters

York St John University is marking Black History month with a special event celebrating inspirational heroes in black cultural history on Tuesday 29 October.

In an evening entitled ‘Heroes: Dignity and Resilience’, academics from the University’s Faculty of Arts will introduce the ‘heroes’ who are important influences on their work and discuss their hero’s relationship with cultural and political history.

Ten short presentations spread over two 45 minute sessions will focus on ‘cultural icons’ and ‘freedom fighters’. From sci-fi writer Octavia Butler and Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks, to war poet Yusuf Kumunyakaa and the legendary Jimi Hendrix, each speaker will explain why their chosen individual is inspiring in word, action and legacy.

Dr Anne-Marie Evans, Senior Lecturer in American Literature at York St John University said:
“We are delighted to be celebrating Black History month by bringing together a fascinating collection of inspirational stories. It is 50 years since Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech at the March on Washington and his words continue to suggest heroism both dignified and resilient. It is such qualities that each speaker sees in their chosen subject and which form the central theme linking each presentation.”