1^st November marks the start of Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) in the UK. IAM was co-founded by MEND with other British organisations in 2012 to deconstruct and challenge the stereotypes about Islam and Muslims. 15.8% of Manchester's population are Muslim, so ensuring that our University is a safe and welcoming space is a top priority. Not only this, but we want to take the time to celebrate our Muslim students and the sense of community and belonging that Islam can bring. Expect story nights from our Islamic Society, documentary screenings, active bystander workshops and much more as part of our IAM 2020 events programme!

A Glimpse into Afro-Caribbean History

3rd November / 5:30-7:30 pm / Location: Zoom

Do you feel like you’ve used this Black History Month to its fullest this year? Do you still wish you knew more about some African and Caribbean countries? Well, look no further! Manchester Isoc have partnered with our Afro Caribbean Society to dive into the history and culture of some well-known places at this online event.

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IAM North West Launch

4th November / 6pm - 7:30pm / Location: Zoom

MEND will be kicking off Islamophobia Awareness Month in the North West! Hear from our contributors on 3 different panels as they discuss Islamophobia Awareness Month and their own thoughts and feelings around what it means to come together as a community to tackle societal issues.

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'My God, I'm Queer' Watch Party

11th November / 6:30pm - 8pm / Location: Zoom

Can you be Muslim and gay? Directed by Matt Mahmood-Ogston, founder of the Naz and Matt Foundation, 'My God, I'm Queer' explores this very topic. A bereaved fiancé goes on a deeply personal journey to try and prevent future tragedy. Join us for a film evening.

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What I like about Religion X

15th November / 7pm / Location: Zoom

The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester have organised a special event for Interfaith Week. Three speakers will talk about a religion that is not their own, focusing on what they like about it. After the formal talks, members of the audience will have the chance to contribute along the same lines.

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Decolonise UoM Radical Readers Group

25th November / 3pm - 5pm / Location: Discord

Join Decolonise UoM for Islamophobia Awareness Month as they watch and discuss 'My Beautiful Laundrette', directed by Stephen Frears and adapted into a screenplay by the author Hanif Kureishi. You can find the film on Box of Broadcasts for free with a student account, and they will be discussing the film in our Discord.

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“Black History Month #UMSUBHM2020 is going to be on a whole different level! We are going to make sure that it’s more involving as it will be led by students and societies, informative through diverse conversation corners, educational as we will explore community outreach, and fun as we will indulge in dance, poetry, paying homage to music of Black origin, and sampling global cuisines inspired by Black people and culture. Everybody is welcome to be part of this great month!”