OXFORD Brookes University this week played host to a Black History Month celebration, in a year that has taken on extra significance for the initiative.

The 2018 theme for the event is the 70th anniversary of the Windrush generation’s arrival in Britain.

A nationwide tour of universities visited Headington Campus' John Henry Brookes Building on Monday night and featured a performance of ‘educational and inspirational’ songs from the artist Scratchylus.

The reggae performer, whose songs highlight the contribution of Windrush families, said he was 'proud' to be at Brookes 'raising awareness' about Windrush and Black History Month.

Organisers say the aim of the Black History Month Windrush Generations University Tour is to ‘create awareness and promote debate’.

Josephine Bushby, a Vice-President of Brookes' Student Union who is organising the month's events, added: "It’s important to observe Black History Month, not only to celebrate achievements and heritage of groups and individuals from Black communities, but also to recognise parts of our nation’s history which we often suppress - black history is in fact also British history.

"Histories are not easily erased, and many students’ lived experiences continue to be shaped by those underpinnings."

She continued: "This year, Brookes Union’s events include this thought-provoking Windrush anniversary performance by award-winning Scratchylus, a talk by compelling author, activist and scholar Dr. Kehinde Andrews, and a day of events dedicated to anti-trafficking and modern day slavery awareness, with a stall exhibition, theatre performance and panel debate."

Earlier this week, the prime minister, Theresa May, tweeted: “I am proud to be a supporter of #BlackHistoryMonth – and to celebrate the immense contribution of African and Caribbean people without whom our country wouldn’t be the country it is today.” The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is also supportive of the event.

Meanwhile, coinciding with official Oxford University events to mark the month, a new magazine by students with African and Caribbean heritage, called Onyx, is being launched tonight - with the aim of publishing underrepresented voices.