Black History Month

1 October
Edith Morley G44

Shaun Flores is a UK-based mental health advocate, consultant, 4x TEDx speaker, and emerging author dedicated to reshaping conversations around mental health, neurodiversity, and masculinity. Diagnosed with OCD in 2022, Shaun transformed his personal struggle into a mission to educate and inspire others. From “the depths of despair,” he emerged as a four-time TEDx speaker, resilience workshop facilitator, and consultant for schools and corporations, including Holland & Barrett, Panasonic, and John Lewis. 

Shaun's workshop will be on ""Redemption Culture, Not Cancel Culture: Calling People In, Not Calling Them Out"". A powerful exploration of what it means to hold accountability with compassion. This session pushes beyond cancel culture, arguing that true progress happens when we replace public shaming with honest conversations and growth. Drawing from lived experience and real-world scenarios, it offers tools to foster psychological safety, repair trust, and build communities where people can learn, unlearn, and still belong.

7 October
Students' Union Lounge, Room 2

Every Tuesday we have a craft for you! Come along to the SU Lounge Room 2 to join us in trying new crafts and taking some time to destress and relax. For Black History Month we are running a print making/textiles session.

6 October
Palmer Building, G10

Join internationally acclaimed author and dynamic literary activist for an evening exploring her life and work – from
co-founding Britain’s first Black women’s theatre company in 1982 to winning the Booker Prize 2019 for her novel Girl,Women,Other.

Expect intimate reflection, engaging conversation and positive inspiration from this innovative storyteller and tenacious changemaker.

This event includes an audience Q&A, so come ready to ask a question of your own!

Local independent bookshop Fourbears Books will be selling a selection of Evaristo’s books on the evening, signed by the author herself.

This is a free event and open to the public, but places are limited and registration is essential.

16 October
Biscuit Factory, Reading Town Centre

In this event we are uplifting and celebrating the work and stories of the black community with a range of films from across the country. We'll be welcoming back film maker Michael Mante, with his film Small Hours alongside a short film called Weave, directed by Martin J.Lee with further films to be announced. This event is open to all, but as we do throughout the year we want to open up the film space to a wider range of talent and stories.

At Through A Different Lens we love film, but we know there are so many creative people in the area who love catching up and making new connections - so whether you are a writer, filmmaker, print maker, painter, designer, musician + more..... come along and grow your connections and develop collaborations . We are an open and inclusive space so even if you are not a creative but just want to watch films you will be welcome. We'll be showing some short films with plenty of time to mingle and chat in the foyer afterwards.
We have some incredible films lined up along with Q+A discussion with the filmmakers.

Visit @throughadifferentlensuk on Instagram to see the upcoming films plus panel guests.

Plan for the evening:
1830 -1930 - short film screenings and discussion from film makers (subject to their availability)
1930 - 2030 onwards - Chat/mingle in the workspace area of the foyer

An extensive selection of drinks of all kinds available from the RBF bar.

This event is for anyone who is 18+.

24 October

Broad Street Mall, Broad St, Reading, RGI 7QE

Join us in the heart of Reading for our Black History Month Flagship Event — a vibrant community marketplace at Broad Street Mall. This year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” shines a light on the creativity, strength, and resilience of Black communities. The event will showcase Black-owned businesses, unique products, and powerful art displays, creating a lively space to shop, connect, and celebrate culture. Open to all, it’s an opportunity to support local talent, honour Black history, and embrace pride in the present.