Back Back

Free virtual events celebrate Black History Month

11/10/2021

The University of Wolverhampton is celebrating Black History Month with a series of free virtual talks and live events throughout October 2021.

Black History Month takes place in October every year and is an annual commemoration of the history, achievements and contributions of Black people in the UK. 

The free virtual events include British journalist, Stephen Bush, talking about what Black History Month should mean to Mixed Race nations, an Associate Director from the University of Pittsburgh, Rich Fann, will be talking about Black Representation beyond Black History Month and co-founder of the Caribbean Cricket Podcast, Machel St Patrick Hewitt, will be talking about the West Indian Cricket Culture in the 21st Century. 

University graduate, Reece McKenzie is also putting on a solo show at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton. In his show ‘Do You Get Your Hair Permed?’, which is taking place on 21 October 2021 at 7.30pm, Reece will take the audience through a musical exploration of the black voice. 

Reece’s show draws on a broad variety of music, including powerful performances of songs from musical theatre like ‘Make Them Hear You’, Dave’s ‘Black’, Black traditional spirituals, and a powerful rendition of J Rosamond Johnson’s ‘Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing’. 

Do You Get Your Hair Permed? is directed by Esme Sears (Associated Studios) with music director Dan Williams and supported by the University of Wolverhampton. Tickets are priced at £5. The cabaret contains strong language. 

Reece graduated from the Musical Theatre degree course at the University of Wolverhampton in 2018 and went on to study the Associate Studios Musical Theatre postgraduate course, validated by the University. 

Head of the School of Performing Arts at the University of Wolverhampton, Dr Sarah Browne, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to celebrate Reece’s voice and achievements in this evening of song and performance. Reece was an exceptional graduate of the School of Performing Arts and it’s a real pleasure to see him progress to advanced postgraduate training with one of our partners, Associated Studios. I have no doubt that we will see Reece in the West End very soon.” 

The event listing can be found on the website with links to the booking pages. 

Anyone looking to study at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days. 

ENDS 

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

Share this release

Related Stories