Black History Month: How it went

06/11/2020

October marked Britain’s Black History Month (BHM) and we used the month to celebrate, inspire and most importantly, educate. A focus group of students came together in July to start sharing ideas and planning for BHM. The month was split into 5 themes, education, culture, arts, business, and sports to ensure we saw a broad range of our Black communities. Each week we posted person profiles of influential people ranging from Marcus Rashford the young Black footballer leading the conversation on free school meals, to Dr Harold Moody, a pioneering UK civil rights leader.

Over the month there was a mix of live in-person events such as a one of Q&A with Black Poppies author, Stephen Bourne. He joined students to talk about his book that highlights the importance of not erasing the Black allies that have supported the UK in Wars, notably World War One and Two. We also had influential input from our African-Caribbean Society (ACS) creating a micro-aggressions TikTok, sharing their homemade recipes of their favourite traditional food and supporting and sharing ideas throughout October. The University were very supportive of our ideas too, including putting up the Pan-African flag to represent the African nations, and the Jamaican flag to represent the Caribbean (voted the best flag to represent the Caribbean by the ACS) at Parkgate Road, Shrewsbury and Warrington.

We are incredibly pleased with how the month went, but we are most grateful to the students and staff who were panellists, or just joined the discussion, for our Decolonise the Curriculum Panel in the final week of BHM. There were over 40 attendees to the virtual panel, chaired by Oge from Minds of People of Colour, discussing the ideas and impacts of decolonising the institution and why it is so important that we start to make change. The conversations from the panel have been felt across the University already starting to impact and change ways of working. Again, thank you to those who took the time to join us for this event. If you were unable to attend and would like to watch the panel please contact Eleanor at supresident@chester.ac.uk to receive the recording.

One of the key questions that followed the end of the Decolonise the Curriculum panel was, ‘what happens now?’ and what an important question that is. Black history is not just one month. Black history should be every month. We should learn about the hidden areas of British history, much of which is shaped around our Black ancestors. And what does this mean for Chester? It means we are at the start of change. CSU are here to represent all our students and decolonising the institution has started already. The panel has opened the door to the conversation and it’s our job to keep it going to make impact and lasting change across the institution.

Lisa Handley - Manifesto

As a student who commutes to campus daily, I understand the challenges that come with travelling to university. The early starts, long journeys, and the frustration of having just one lecture in the middle of the day. These things can make university life harder than it needs to be.

I am an active member of the student community and passionate about creating a sense of belonging for everyone, no matter how far they travel. Commuting students contribute valuable perspectives and resilience to university life, and it is important that these experiences are properly recognised and supported.

If elected, I will:

Champion belonging through commuter-friendly meet-ups and daytime socials.
Amplify your voice through regular feedback and honest conversations that lead to CSU action.
Advocate for practical improvements, such as better access to existing facilities and more efficient timetabling. For example, spreading lectures across fewer days to reduce unnecessary travel.
Promote wellbeing and connection, linking commuters with initiatives that support balance and community.

My goal is to help commuting students feel as connected, valued, and supported as non commuting students.

Vote for me to help strengthen the commuter experience at the University of Chester. Thank you.

Naga Sai Manikanta Anirudh Ramisetti - Manifesto

Hello, my name is Naga Sai Manikanta Anirudh Ramisetti, and I am an MSc Data Science student. As a student who commutes from Crewe and relies on public transport, I personally understand the unique challenges we face—from travel disruptions and costs to feeling disconnected from campus life. I am running to be your Commuting Students' Officer to ensure our voices are heard.

I have concrete experience in student advocacy. In my previous university, I was a Departmental Head on the Student Council , where I represented over 600 students and served as the primary liaison between students and faculty. I successfully advocated for academic improvements and have a proven track record of organising large-scale events and increasing student engagement.

If elected, I will use this experience to be a strong voice for all commuting students. I will listen to your concerns, advocate for better resources and facilities on campus, and work to build a stronger, more inclusive community for those of us who travel. I am committed to making your journey, and your time at university, as smooth and positive as possible.

Laraib Imsat - Manifesto

My name is Laraib Ismat. I am a student of digital marketing and I am commuting from Cheshire to Chester to study. As a commuter myself, I can totally understand how challenging it can be for students to manage and balance travel, studies and other stuff all
together.

I have UK’s driving licence so I can drive to my university. If as a commuter I can find that hard so I can imagine the struggles of the students who have to commute via public transports.
Hence I’d like to be the voice for commuting students so that I can help them by understanding their problems and try to make their experience better as well as inclusive. As a commuting student I have enough confidence in speaking for myself and for my fellow commuters.

Raising awareness about commuters needs is important so I’d make sure that our voices and struggles are heard.I’d make sure that all the needs of commuters are addressed. I will help build a stronger sense of community for all of us who travel in each day.

Praise Lawalson - Manifesto

My name is Praise Adedotun Lawalson, a student of MSc Cardiovascular Health and Rehabilitation at the University of Chester. Living in Manchester means I travel by train whenever I have classes, so I fully understand the daily realities and challenges that commuting students experience.

If elected as Commuting Students’ Officer, I will work to make commuting a smoother and more rewarding experience for everyone. One of my key goals is to advocate for a better and more convenient system to help students travel from the train station to campus, as the 30-minute walk can be tiring and time-consuming. I plan to work with the University and local transport services to introduce bus and bike hire options that make this journey faster, easier, and more affordable.

I will also push for improved commuter spaces on campus, including comfortable study and relaxation areas, and ensure that commuting students are included in events and activities that fit our schedules.

My vision is for every commuting student to feel connected, supported, and empowered to succeed. Together, we can make the University of Chester a more inclusive and commuter-friendly community.

Vote Praise Adedotun Lawalson for Commuting Students’ Officer.

Hasibul Islam Maruf - Manifesto

As a commuting student myself, I understand the unique challenges we face — long travel times, limited access to campus events, and the struggle to feel fully included in university life. My goal is to make commuting students feel just as connected, supported, and valued as those living on campus.

If elected, I will work to improve transport information, campaign for better parking and travel discounts, and create a welcoming space on campus where commuters can study, relax, or meet friends between classes. I’ll also introduce more flexible event times and hybrid activities so commuting students never feel left out.

I believe communication is key. I will listen to your feedback and represent your needs in every discussion that affects our experience. Together, we can make university life more inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for all commuting students.

Vote for me, Hasibul Islam Maruf — your voice on the move!

Kenneth Osemenkhian - Manifesto

As an international student living in Liverpool and commuting to Chester for over a year, I understand the daily realities of travel - early trains, delays, and the challenge of staying connected to campus life. I’m running for Commuting Students’ Officer to make that experience easier, more inclusive, and better supported.

My main focus will be on clear signposting and practical support. Many students are unaware of travel discounts such as the 16–25 Railcard and 26–30 Railcard. I’ll work with the university to make this information easier to access, especially for new and international students.

I’ll also ensure that commuting students are considered when public events are planned by encouraging recordings or hybrid options, so those who can’t stay late or travel in can still take part and stay informed. Communication matters too - I’ll with fellow commuting students to help create simple ways for commuting students to connect, share travel updates, and raise issues that affect them.

Commuting shouldn’t mean missing out. If elected, I’ll focus on realistic, achievable steps to make university life more connected and accessible for everyone who travels each day.

Vote Kenneth Osemenkhian - supporting every student’s journey to Chester.

Neve Price - Manifesto

Imagine getting into the university of Chester, alone.
Imagine applying for your course, enrolling, moving in and starting on your university journey… alone.

You don’t have to imagine it.
You’ve done it.

Students may not be family, biologically speaking. But we CAN form a herd.

You no longer have to haul that heavy bag of worries, exam stress and question marks by yourself anymore. That’s the best part about a herd.
You look out for each other…

Now that’s the deep stuff done, tea or coffee anyone?

Alakananda Santhosh - Manifesto

As a nursing student, I’ve always believed in the power of compassion, strength, and community. I’m nominating myself for the role of Women’s Officer because I want every woman on campus to feel valued, supported, and confident in her own voice.

My goal is to create a space where all women—no matter their background—feel empowered to speak up, share their stories, and support one another. I plan to organise inspiring workshops that focus on self-confidence, leadership, and wellbeing. I also want to collaborate with the university to raise awareness about women’s safety, equality, and access to resources both on and off campus.

Empowerment begins with connection. Together, we can build a community where women uplift women—where kindness, courage, and confidence become our shared strengths. As Women’s Officer, I’ll listen, advocate, and act to make sure every woman knows she belongs, she matters, and she has the power to lead. Let’s make our campus a place where every woman feels seen, supported, and unstoppable.

Nabeel Abid - Manifesto

I’m running for Commuting Students Officer because I know what it’s like to wake up early, catch buses or trains, and still try to stay involved on campus. Being a commuter comes with its own set of challenges — long journeys, waiting between classes, and sometimes feeling a bit disconnected. I want to change that.

If elected, I’ll work to make campus life easier and more welcoming for commuters. I’ll push for better study spaces, lockers, and comfortable areas where we can relax between lectures. I’ll also speak up about timetable issues and explore ways to make travel more affordable, like transport discounts or car-share options.

But most importantly, I want to help us feel more included. Whether that’s through flexible events, online catch-ups, or just creating spaces where we can connect — I’ll make sure commuters are part of every conversation.

I believe our experiences matter, and with your support, I’ll work hard to make our voices heard and our journeys a little smoother every day.

Peter Davies - Manifesto

Hi, my name is Peter Davies, and I am running for the position of Commuting Students’ Officer on Union Assembly.

I am a Postgraduate student studying Psychology.

If I am elected, I will ensure that all commuting students have their voice heard. I am currently the Vice President of the Mature Student Society (Matsoc).

I am approachable and a good listener. I will listen to any concerns you have and try and get them resolved as quickly as possible.

I am a very proactive person and would ensure that your voice is heard and your concerns addressed.

Voting is on 12^th and 13^th November starting at 9am on 12^th

So if you do nothing else vote Peter Davies for Commuting Students’ Officer.

The Students’ Friend who listens

Sian Byron - Manifesto

Hi Everyone, I’m Sian, and I’m running to be your next Women’s Officer because i care deeply about making our university a place where every woman feels supported, included, and heard.

I want to help create an environment where we can all thrive - whether that’s feeling safe on campus, having equal opportunities, or simply knowing there’s someone you can talk to who genuinely listens.

If elected, I'll focus on:

Building Community
Better Communications
Real Representation

I’m approachable, passionate and not afraid to speak up when something isn’t right.

Poppy Davison-Ward

As the University's Women's Officer I aim to align myself with creating a better future for women in education. I wish to address the feeling of imposter syndrome many women feel within subject areas.

To further promote this sense of community , i wish to organise safe spaces for women across our campuses to not only express their concerns but find comfort in connection. As women we should be recognising our shared experience across culture, age and life experience.

Therefore, my initiative can be summarised by the simple saying: "Destroy the locks on your heart shaped box".

Jeevitha Baskar - Manifesto

As an international student and a woman with over six years of professional experience in global banking and compliance, I understand the importance of creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for women from all walks of life. I am standing for Women’s Officer to be a strong, empathetic voice for every woman at the University of Chester—whether you're navigating academic challenges, cultural transitions, or personal growth.

My priorities as Women’s Officer will be:

Empowerment through Education: Host workshops and speaker events focused on leadership, career development, and financial literacy tailored for women.

Support and Safety: Strengthen awareness around mental health, harassment reporting, and access to support services—ensuring every woman feels heard and protected.

Representation and Inclusion: Advocate for the needs of women from diverse backgrounds, including international students, mothers, and those balancing work and study.

Community and Connection: Create spaces for women to connect, share experiences, and build lasting friendships through social events, mentorship programs, and cultural celebrations.

I believe that when women are supported, entire communities thrive. With your vote, I will work tirelessly to ensure that every woman at Chester feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Let’s build a stronger, more inclusive university—together.

Black History Month: How it went

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