The University of Bayreuth has commemorated the 100th anniversary of Black History Month with a special exhibition and public dialogue at the Iwalewahaus, a research centre under its Institute for African Studies.
The event formed part of this year’s global Black History Month observances, typically marked in February, but took on added significance as the centenary edition. Organisers say the milestone offered an opportunity not only to celebrate Black heritage but also to interrogate its place within the university and the wider Bayreuth community.
Under the theme, “Where We Were, Where We Are, and Where We Will Be,” the programme traced the past, examined the present, and projected the future of Black history, with a particular focus on its local context.
The initiative, led by Director of Iwalewahaus, Prof. Dr Natasha Kelly, brought together students from two academic courses to stage a month-long exhibition alongside an interactive dialogue with the public — a first for the university in this format.
Graduate students curated and presented a diverse collection of artworks, research pieces, and visual narratives highlighting the often overlooked history and contributions of Black people in Bayreuth. Through installations, storytelling, and academic inquiry, the exhibition sought to challenge dominant narratives and amplify underrepresented voices.
A moderated dialogue session, led by graduate student Elvis Washington Agyimanku, further deepened the conversation. Discussions centred on the relevance of Black History Month today and how its commemoration can evolve to remain meaningful for future generations.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr Kelly described the programme as a starting point for rethinking how Black history is engaged within the university space. She noted that bringing together students from different courses was a deliberate move to push intellectual boundaries and encourage deeper research into the local Black experience.
She expressed optimism that the initiative would pave the way for sustained projects and broader institutional engagement with Black history and culture.
The event drew participation from a cross-section of the community, including school students from Bayreuth, academics, graduate students, and members of the public. Beyond the exhibition, it created a platform for reflection, learning, and dialogue, while fostering collaboration and setting the tone for future initiatives at the University of Bayreuth.
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