Black History Month is a celebration of the lives and achievements of Black and Minority Ethnic individuals and communities, offering opportunities to learn about the events that have moulded black history, arts and culture in Britain. Though strides have certainly been taken towards equality in BHM's 35+ year history, BME individuals continue to face discrimination and erasure on a daily basis. And this fact alone explains why BHM continues to be so vital; it's about education as much as it is about celebration. Sandra Deslandes-Clark of CRER (Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights) summarises it perfectly: 'We need to build a society that isn't just non-racist but rather one that is pro-actively anti-racist'.

Both CRER and the University of Edinburgh have organised a variety of events ranging from talks and exhibitions to film screenings and parties in Edinburgh and Glasgow to commemorate Black History Month. With such an extensive programme, we've decided to pick out some of the events that we're most looking forward to this month.

Black History Month Walking Tours
A chance to see Glasgow's history in a different light through an examination of the city's connections with black communities involved in tobacco, slavery and the abolition movement.
Every Sun in Oct, 1pm, starting at Glasgow Cathedral, free but booking essential.

In Our Own Terms: Black and Minority Ethnic Youth's Evolving Identities and Diversities
Dr Rowena Arshad will be delivering a lecture looking at whether young people's views on diversity clash with current policy makers and why young BME individuals could have an influence on future agendas.
Oct 11, 6.30pm, George Square Lecture Theatre, University of Edinburgh, free.

Herstory: A Photo-Biographic Exhibition
The Herstory exhibition returns to Potterrow Dome for a week following last year's successful run. The exhibition includes portraits of Black and Minority Ethnic women that study at the University of Edinburgh, with descriptions of their experiences as students and thoughts on the notion of identity.
10–14 Oct, 10–5pm, Potterrow Dome, University of Edinburgh, free.

Babylon: Film Screening and Discussion
A special screening of the 1981 cult film Babylon, which explores south London's West Indian community in the 70s through themes of police violence, poverty, music and culture. An open discussion chaired by BME Liberation Group Convenor Esme Allman will follow the screening.
Screening Room, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh, 20 Oct, 6–8pm, free.

An Evening of Black Excellence
Teviot Underground will play host to a showcase of Black British musicians, poets and performers, in an evening of immense talent and entertainment. DJs will be playing the best of Black music from around the world into the wee hours.
Teviot Underground, University of Edinburgh, 21 Oct, 9pm, free.

Sister Outrider x TYCI: Building an anti-racist, feminist manifesto
Join Black feminist blogger and activist Claire Heuchan, who will be collaborating with TYCI to bring discussions on intersectional feminism to the forefront.
Glasgow Women's Library, 27 Oct, 5.30pm, £3.

Ballet Black
A company that celebrates the talents of Black and Asian ballet dancers, Ballet Black will be bringing a trilogy of performances to Glasgow, with Christopher Hampson's Storyville as the centrepiece.
Tramway, Glasgow, 28 & 29 Oct, £12/£18.

Black History Month Showcase
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland have had two successful years of running Black History Month showcases and the upcoming event will be no exception. Members of the public are invited to enjoy an evening of dance, music, song and spoken word.
RCS Café Bar, Glasgow, RCS Café Bar, 29 Oct, 7pm, free but booking is essential.

Africa in Motion
Scotland's annual celebration of African cinema returns with another fantastic programme, with features, documentaries and shorts from across the African continent, as well as Q&As, discussions, workshops and more. There will be a special BHM screening of the 1966 Senegalese/French film, Black Girl on Sun 2 Oct.
Various venues across Edinburgh and Glasgow, 28 Oct–6 Nov, .