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Hi folks,

Ok so the first thing that anyone reading this probably notices is that the post was made well into December, whereas the conference took place back in November. I have to hold my hands up to that one, but in my defence I have had lots going on for me so that is the reason it has taken me this long to put something concrete down.
Right, well this Winter conference took place over two days at Birkbeck college in London on the 26/27th November this year. Conference officially opened with an opening statement from the NUS Black students officer Kanja Sesay, who instigated a minute’s silence for those black individuals killed through Race attacks. Following on from that, we had remarks from Black activist Lee Jasper, Black lawyer Peter Herbert and Operation Black Vote’s director Simon Woolley.
After that we went to individual sessions for those from the different parts of the country. That was quite informative and useful for networking. The first day of conference closed with a debate around issues affecting black students today in education.
Day two was mainly focused on workshops which saw the delegates from the different universities getting involved in the different classes. I attended a workshop around Black feminism that was very useful and enlightening.
The conference closed with a statement by the Black student officer, Kanja, He spoke about the various things which he had been trying to do this past year and how he intended to move forward.
All told, I think the conference was very informative and quite a useful event. It allowed me to make connections with delegates from different institutions, which will hopefully assist me for the future in my role as EMSO.
PS.
Here are the links to the opening statements made at conference by the different speakers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KKb1rHVhzk – This is the final video, but the others are available from this page.

Thanks for reading guys.

Hi folks,
Just really want to take the time to thank you for putting aside time in your busy days firstly to read this post and then perhaps to respond to it with ideas of your own.
What I would like to ask people for is just some ideas in terms of the next campaign you want to see run on campus as BME students. The first campaign I ran (BHM) was a resounding success all around and I cannot help wanting to build on that and move forward.
If people could leave their comments and ideas for further campaigns in then comment section that would be greatly appreciated and if I decided to expand on your ideas for a campaign then of course (credit where it’s due) I would acknowledge you as the main instigator of the idea.

Thanks alot, and thanks again for taking the time to read and leave brief comments.
Carl ‘Raskarl’ Gayle

Greetings all,
This October has been a lively month of events put on in recognition of Black History Month that is a nationally recognized celebration of black history.
I ran a total of 3 events over the course of 3 weeks during October. The last event was a lecture which happened last Thursday and honestly it was the worst attended out of all the events. Only one student bar myself was there.
I staged firstly a debate around the August riots. This took place on the 6th of October. It was very well attended and all the panellists fully enjoyed themselves.
The second event was a film night. The film I chose to show was ‘The Great Debaters’. This is directed and starring Denzel Washington. It also stars Forrest Whittaker and Kimberly Elise. It is about the true story of Melvin Tolson. A professor at a small college in Wiley, Texas who takes a small debating team from rural Texas right the way through to debate and win against Harvard college in 1935. This was well attended with quite a few university students in the audience.
The third and final event which took place at the Guild was a lecture around Marcus Garvey. This was given by a Phd researcher from Nottingham University. Again this was well attended and the lecture itself was very informative and lively. The topic generated heated discussion which took place after the main lecture.
All in all I feel that BHM at the university has gone very well. The events which I organised took place alongside events organised by the ACS and also various departments within the university itself. In my opinion this October has been a very action packed and educational month in terms of black history. Looking back at previous years, especially this one just gone, I feel that all involved are to commended for pulling off what has been a very exciting and illuminative month for those interested in black history.
In terms of what next I have planned, I can not be sure yet. I will be taking things as they arrive and trying to build on what was a very successful campaign!
Peace and Love
Carl ‘Raskarl‘ Gayle

Hi Everyone,
I would just like to use this time to introduce myself to you. I’m your EMSO for the coming academic year and will be working for your interests. If you have any queries or need to get in touch with me for some reason my email is:
c.gayle@guild.bham.ac.uk
I will try and respond ASAP to your questions and comments. The first thing I have on the calendar is an eventful Black History Month for you…so if there are any suggestions or things you would like to see happen during October this year then please leave a comment here or alternatively drop me an email.

Thanks folks.
Carl G