15 January marks the 400th anniversary of the birth of French actor, playwright and poet, Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, also known as Molière. Widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the French language, his works include comedies, farces and tragicomedies, His plays have been translated into every major living language. As a sixth-form student at … Continue reading “Molière 400 in 2022”
Author: dorothy
David Bowie 75th anniversary
8 January 2022 marks what would have been the late great David Bowie’s 75th birthday. Regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, his work was acclaimed by fellow musicians and critics, particularly his innovative work in the 1970s. He studied art, music and design before embarking on a professional career … Continue reading “David Bowie 75th anniversary”
75th anniversary of the birth of Steve Biko, South African anti-apartheid activist
Steve Biko (1946-1977) was ideologically an African nationalist and social who was at the forefront of a grassroots anti-apartheid campaign known as the Black Consciousness Movement during the late 1960s and 1970s. Studying medicine at the University of Natal, he became increasingly frustrated that National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) and other anti-apartheid groups … Continue reading “75th anniversary of the birth of Steve Biko, South African anti-apartheid activist”
75th anniversary of David Lean’s ‘Great Expectations’
Regarded as one of David Lean’s greatest films, ‘Great Expectations’, starring John Mills (as Pip), Alec Guinness, Bernard Miles, Jean Simmons and others, was released on 26 December 1946. On the BFI’s list of 100 top films (1999), it reached 5th place. It was the first of two films Lean directed based of Dickens’ novels … Continue reading “75th anniversary of David Lean’s ‘Great Expectations’”
Camille Saint-Saëns centenary (1835–1921)
Born in Paris on 9 October 1835, Camille Saint-Saëns grew up as an only child in the care of his mother Clémence and his great-aunt Charlotte Masson, as his father, an official in the Ministry of the Interior, had died within a few months of his son’s birth. The boy’s extraordinary gifts as a polymath, … Continue reading “Camille Saint-Saëns centenary (1835–1921)”
Rosa Parks Day 1 December
Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist who refused to surrender her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama in 1955. Her defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott; its success launched nationwide efforts to end racial segregation of public facilities. Ohio and Oregon commemorate the occasion on the anniversary of … Continue reading “Rosa Parks Day 1 December”
World AIDS Day 1 December
World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health … Continue reading “World AIDS Day 1 December”
Hanukkah
Hanukkah (28 November-6 December) celebrates the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the 160s BC. After outlawing the Jewish religion and Jewish practices, King Antiochus IV decreed that Jews must worship Greek gods in the Temple. The word ‘Hanukkah’ means dedication and commemorates the triumph of a band of rebel Jews known as the … Continue reading “Hanukkah”
Birmingham 150
Hear from Emma Berwick (International Business with Languages student) who recently attended the Birmingham 150 programme which she found to be a very valuable experience A four-day online programme, Birmingham 150 was focused on sustainability and our environmental impact. On the first day, we introduced ourselves and shared our opinions on certain topics. We were … Continue reading “Birmingham 150”
UK Disability History Month (18 November-18 December)
The joint themes for this year’s UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) are: Disability and Hidden Impairment Disability Sex and Relationships Running since 2010, this is an annual event creating a platform to focus on the history of our struggle for equality and human rights. The 4-week period covers covers HIV/AIDS Day (1 December), International Day of … Continue reading “UK Disability History Month (18 November-18 December)”