Black History Month exhibition returns to university

Featuring 12 new portraits of local people, the 2025 Colourism exhibition invites students, staff and members of the community to visit Solent University’s The Spark and learn about the experiences of others this Black History Month.

The portraits in the exhibition have been captured by Nosa Malcolm – a talented photographer based locally, known for his immersive photography inspired by the city of Southampton and its people. The project itself has been spearheaded by Black History Month South’s founder, Dr Don John – an Honorary Doctor of the Arts at Solent. He says:

“Colourism is the value we attach to people of different complexions and many of us of all racial groups, at one time or another, make judgments according to someone’s complexion; and this photo exhibition provides an opportunity to reflect on that fact.”

Funded by Arts Council England, this year’s exhibition features Solent University student, Abdulrahman Sanneh as part of its focus on young people. Abdulrahman shares insight into his experience with identity, heritage and the influence of his time in both the UK and Gambia.

Solent University is one of nine venues in Southampton and Eastleigh to host the latest exhibition, which has returned following its successful launch in 2024. It is available to view until Friday 31 October, and takes place alongside a Students’ Union Showcase celebrating the University’s Black community.

Solent’s Communities Engagement Officer, Joanne Cridland, says:

“We are delighted to host the Colourism exhibition for the second year in a row. As a civic university, we work collaboratively to support essential projects like this one, which have a meaningful impact both on our student community and communities in the city.

“At Solent, we have a duty to connect our students to events which encourage conversation and enhance the way we see and interact with the world. Student, staff or member of the public – we invite everyone to come along.”