Black History Month
'Proud To Be'
October 2021
Wayne Campbell
Academic Registrar at University of York
(he/him)
What does anti-racism mean to you?
It is about challenging racial inequalities and assumptions and empowering people to raise issues around racism and engaging others in the conversation. It is also about action, creating change through our various race equality groups/fora at York.
Name someone who inspires you in relation to race equality?
Trevor Phillips from a British perspective. He was formerly Head of the Commission for Racial Equality and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. I am also discovering Ijeoma Oluo, an American black educationist who advocates honest conversations about racism.
What does Black History Month mean, and how is it important to you?
It is an opportunity to celebrate the work of the Black community (past and present) and to highlight Black voices, experiences and contributions to the development of our society, culture and science. Also provides an opportunity to engage in challenging conversations about race, to educate and create awareness of inequality.
Do you have any advice on how to engage with anti-racism activity in York?
We need to actively support the work of our student body (particularly our BAME Officers and their groups) and staff groups/fora. We should be promoting and supporting the work and linking this up to the University's race agenda, and with similar minded organisations in the city.
Tolu
Student and secretary of the African and Caribbean Society (ACS)
(she/her)
What does anti-racism mean to you?
We live in a world where racism, whether we like it or not, permeates a lot of sectors of society. We therefore have to not only be not racist, but anti racist, actively fighting against examples of racism.
I think everyone needs to work on fighting for minorities and being an anti-racist is just one of the many things we can aim to do as people caring for people.
Name someone who inspires you in relation to race equality?
One person that inspires me about equality is Malala Yousafzai. Not only does she inspire me in terms of female education but also her as a minority. Her being referred to mononymously as Malala, inspires me as someone with ethnic name that my name does not hold me back in terms of success.
What does Black History Month mean, and how is it important to you?
This history of black people especially in Britain is something we have to remember regardless of if it being good or being bad. Maintaining an ever current knowledge of what black people go through is so important and means so much to to me.
Do you have any advice on how to engage with anti-racism activity in York?
To work on the issue of the lack of anti-racism in York, people need to be made more aware of their own and others' biases. For example, a couple months ago when there was a sign for bike lights that read ‘Bike Lights Matter’. Being more aware of how things like that will negatively impact the community will hopefully aid in the erosion of racism in York.
Already my gaze is upon the hill, the sunny one,
at the end of the path which I've only just begun.
So we are grasped, by that which we could not grasp,
at such great distance, so fully manifest
And it changes us, even when we do not reach it,
into something that, hardly sensing it, we already are;
a sign appears, echoing our own sign . . .
But what we sense is the wind against us.
'A Walk’ by Rainer Maria Rilke
Kiran Trehan
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Partnerships and Engagement
(she/her)
What does anti-racism mean to you?
For me anti-racism means a spirit of challenge and inquiry, the light that shines as we and the world grapple with inequality, daring to dare.
Most of all anti racism means hope, as Michelle Obama highlights:
"It’s up to all of us — Black, white, everyone — no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out.”
What does Black History Month mean, and how is it important to you?
Black history month for me is an acknowledgement and celebration of history, heritage, culture and the inspirational talents of ordinary black people who make a measurable difference every day in our communities. This diversity is an essential ingredient in making our university a contemporary global institution and an exciting, inspiring place to be.
Do you have any advice on how to engage with anti-racism activity in York?
- Bring diverse staff into the process early. Their feedback on progress is essential, as is their input on the crafting and execution of an anti-racist strategy and interventions.
- Have strong, senior leaders drive the agenda and make sure D&I networks and working groups networks have a direct link to these individuals. This signals to all that race is a critical matter for everyone and not something that only pertains to diverse staff.
- Consider remunerating leaders of the D&I and race networks to acknowledge the importance and value of their work.
- Ensure diverse staff are engaged, just as much, in non- anti-racist matters. This is the essence of true inclusion. It rejects tokenism, a dangerous pitfall of anti-racist weak strategies. Diverse employees will know if their input is only wanted when it pertains to D&I issues.
- Move beyond box-ticking: Driving anti-racism Efforts to Deep-Rooted Organisational Change.
- Continue to include networks and diverse employees in the process but be mindful of tokenism and fatigue.
Organisational changes with respect to anti-racism is only successful if it truly makes a difference for our student’s staff and region. Their input is essential and they should be invited into the process early and empowered to make change by being placed on decision-making committees and working groups.
Anti-racism is probably the most difficult but urgent cultural work of our time. And we can play a role in either perpetuating or rejecting generations of biases and systemic discrimination.
Achieving the latter requires commitment and courage to see the process through even when things get uncomfortable. We must all work together to do this at scale.
Emilia
Historical Archaeology student
(she/her)
What does anti-racism mean to you?
Anti-racism means challenging the questionable behaviour of, or language used by, those around us, be they intentionally or un-intentionally racist. It also means actively promoting inclusivity and diversity in your place of work, study, or friend group/society.
To be anti-racist, we must also examine our own internal and learned biases, which we may not even realise we hold.
Name someone who inspires you in relation to race equality?
I’m greatly inspired by the American archaeologist Whitney Battle-Baptiste, who has developed a Black Feminist school of thought within archaeology. Through examining their possessions and living spaces, she highlights the stories of African Americans, with a focus on women, who arguably are one of the least visible groups in our history books.
Battle-Baptiste’s encouragement of the study of Black history in a field in which it has been perpetually side-swept greatly motivates me.
What does Black History Month mean, and how is it important to you?
I love Black History Month, as it’s a time to facilitate important and thought-provoking discussions centred on the history of peoples constantly overlooked in our history books and classrooms.
So much of the Black History we see and learn about in this country is America-centric, even though there is such a deep and rich Black British history, reaching back to the period of Roman settlement in the first century, where several African troops have been recorded. Black History Month is the perfect time to highlight these histories.
Do you have any advice on how to engage with anti-racism activity in York?
The anti-racist collective society (YARCsoc) was re-formed last year, after a long hiatus following its original formation during the 1980s. They hold fantastic talks and discussions, a great bi-weekly book club and fun socials where you can meet like minded people.
It’s a brilliant way to actively engage with anti-racism on campus, and definitely worth checking out!
"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing will change unless it is faced.”
James Baldwin
Jennifer
Student and ACS Events Officer
(she/her)
What does anti-racism mean to you?
Anti-racism to me means to actively call out each and every level to the pyramid of discrimination and violence. No matter how small and irrelevant the microaggressions may seem, I believe it is important to call out every one of these aspects.
Until we acknowledge the many many areas in which racism is rooted and holds prominence, I believe that we cannot truly move forward towards finding solutions.
Name someone who inspires you in relation to race equality?
My mother. My mother is a partner of a GP surgery in the south of England, along with several other successful titles. No matter the racist experiences she has had in this country she does not let it deter her success and pushes forward.
She has taught me about resilience and how to build the strength to not be deterred by people that try and get in your way. If you let yourself be discouraged by discrimination and racism you are letting them win, the most powerful response possible is to show strength and success regardless.
What does Black History Month mean, and how is it important to you?
Black history month is important to me, as growing up in the British education system, black culture and the brilliant minds our people have raised are not celebrated or even taught about.
So much of our history in and out of this country has been lost and I believe that black history month is one of the first positive steps to integrate the correct black culture and history into our education systems.
Do you have any advice on how to engage with anti-racism activity in York?
Although it may be daunting, I believe that one voice can make all the difference. Call out what you see or hear.
Let people know that their behaviour is unacceptable, explain if they are ignorant why a certain phrase can have racial undertones. Do not be afraid to let your voice be known.
Jordan
Student, BAME Students' Officer and ACS President
(he/him)
What does anti-racism mean to you?
Anti-racism is simply taking action, it's the direct opposition of all racist behaviour. It's taking action against all forms of racism proactively, confidently, and effectively.
It's taking responsibility for one's ignorance of racial issues, striving to educate themselves in order to be an active ally. It's not enough to just not be racist, anti-racism means to actively call out all forms of racism directly.
Name someone who inspires you in relation to race equality?
The Black Panthers always pop into my head when I'm asked who inspires me. I have so much respect for the men and women of the group who have gone on to affect culture, politics, and fashion.
The bravery the group showed in the face of direct, violent oppression puts so many things in perspective for me. They lived in a time where fighting against racism could result in them being killed, which encourages me to keep pushing and fighting for what I believe is right.
What does Black History Month mean, and how is it important to you?
Black History Month is the first step, it brings attention to the grossly uneven historical narrative that is taught to us. It simultaneously highlights the racial and gendered bias of history and hopefully will result with a more honest depiction of historical events taught in society.
Do you have any advice on how to engage with anti-racism activity in York?
Know that you are not alone, there are people you can turn to at York that are more than willing to help. Be encouraged to speak out as there are many people who will feel the same way and want to stand by you.
There are people who genuinely want to be allies as well as the strong black community of York, so never feel like you are alone in this.
"In our work and in our living, we must recognize that difference is a reason for celebration and growth, rather than a reason for destruction."
Audre Lorde
Avtar Singh Matharu
Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry; Chair, Staff Race Equality Forum
(he/him/his)
What does anti-racism mean to you?
Anti-racism to me means living in a society where you are judged by your actions, not your colour or looks. Having the confidence to call out all aspects of racism as unacceptable and not to have it dismissed as ‘trivial banter’ or uncomfortable laughter. Anti-racism provides opportunities on an equal footing for all.
Anti-racism will result in fixing of systems, practices, policies and procedures that recognise and reward your talent, and, as my picture depicts, to be free to engage in society without fear of prejudice by being true to myself.
I hope my pictures will also answer some questions that you’ve always wanted to know, such as, do you ever take off your turban? Your hair must be so long? Do you do anything but study chemistry?
Name someone who inspires you in relation to race equality?
I have always been inspired by the late Rita Sanderson who was the Director of YREN - York Racial Equality Network - for 20 years, supporting black and ethnic minority people and those of all ethnicities and faiths. Rita was local to York and completely understood and championed many of its issues.
She supported the York Annual International Meal and was active in a number of local Committees such as Rowntrees Derwenthorpe Development, hosted by the York Interfaith Group and North Yorkshire Police Race Hate Crime Committee.
What does Black History Month mean, and how is it important to you?
Black History Month is a vitally important national and global platform for our voice to be heard. It showcases previous and current injustices but also highlights many amazing ‘Proud to be’ success stories. It allows us to have those difficult conversations about race and is not just for the BAME community.
On a final note, anti-racism and discussions on race should not be confined to BHM but should be on-going throughout the year, for 12 months not just one.
Kayonda Hubert Ngamaba
Research Fellow in the Department of Social Policy and Social Work
(he/him)
I am a Research Fellow at the International Centre for Mental Health Social Research in the Department of Social Policy and Social Work. My research evaluates psychosocial interventions within the NHS Community Mental Health Teams to improve the quality of life of people with mental health conditions. I also look at determinants of well-being across nations and religions.
I am originally from DR Congo and moved to the UK in 2002 as an asylum seeker. Since, I have learned to start again and managed to do my Undergraduate, Masters and Ph.D. in Health Psychology. I am a British citizen now and live here in England with my wife and children. Prior to joining the University of York, I used to work for the NHS (Greater Manchester Mental Health) and the University of Manchester on several projects.
What does anti-racism mean to you?
I have faced and heard a lot of racism and my philosophy is to be actively involved in any initiatives that can tackle racism and discrimination. Thus, since arriving at the University of York, I’ve been able to get involved in a number of equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.
I am a trade union executive committee member and steward. As a steward, I have represented colleagues from different departments and have provided advice on how the university can better support staff to avoid relapse. I am a Member of the Staff Race Equality Forum (SREF) Steering Group. I am a community leader who works with churches, charities, and local authorities to promote social inclusion and help people to discover/improve their talents.
Name someone who inspires you in relation to race equality?
Nelson Mandela is an inspiration to me. He has trained us to persevere and influence changes.
Another icon is Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who has helped me to engage, educate, and empower people around notions of social justice to build an inclusive and beloved community.
What does Black History Month mean, and how is it important to you?
Black History Month means a lot and is so important for me. Black History Month is a time to celebrate our achievements and reflect and remember those who have lost their lives or still facing racial abuse and discrimination because of their race.
The University needs to be involved and should encourage the celebration of Black History Month. I personally remember the engagement of those who attended my talk 'From asylum to citizenship' on 25th October 2017, when we celebrated Black History Month.
Do you have any advice on how to engage with anti-racism activity in York?
I would encourage students and staff to be involved in equality, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. I would also encourage people to look at the University's policy on equality.
The University of York has the vision to promote Equality, Diversity & Inclusion; as an international research-led University, the University of York has a plan to continue to work towards incorporating race equality into key functions of its work, such as promoting cultural understanding and race awareness in a variety of ways through events, and public lectures.
“In your life’s blueprint... However young you are…You have a responsibility to seek to make life better for everybody. And so, you must be involved in the struggle of freedom and justice.”
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1967)
Yasmine Clarke
Psychotherapist and Practitioner at Open Door and Disability
(she/her)
What does anti-racism mean to you?
If we are to better understand how we relate to one another, it is vital we engage in constant reflection and examination of our own prejudices and beliefs. This involves facing up to parts of ourselves we don’t necessarily want to confront or own up to. Can you handle being uncomfortable?
But anti-racism work should not just focus on the individual, but also the collective. As opposed to the often vague and superficial principles of ‘inclusion’ and ‘diversity’ (we need to move past the 90s!), I am a big advocate of highlighting the role that institutional racism continues to play in disadvantaging marginalised communities.
Name someone who inspires you in relation to race equality?
Doreen Lawrence (Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, OBE), the mother of Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in a racist attack in 1993, the year I was born.
Doreen never stopped fighting for justice. She worked to promote reforms of the legal system, alongside founding the The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation which works to “foster opportunities for marginalised young people in the UK.”
What does Black History Month mean, and how is it important to you?
BHM means extra events in the calendar for sure! It's a month where anything goes. You want to host an event on the history of Black sailors in twentieth century Liverpool? Cool! How about an awards evening for inspirational black leaders in healthcare? Well okay then! Maybe a space for Black queer women to connect over paint and textiles? Nice one!
I strongly believe that Black history should be taught throughout school as part of the national curriculum. Topics such as empire, migration and resistance need to be recognised and understood as being part of everyone's collective history.
Camara
Student and ACS Careers and Sponsorship Officer
(she/her)
What does anti-racism mean to you?
To me, anti-racism means actively advocating for racial equality and creating environments where racism is not tolerated in any capacity. Ultimately I think that the
goal of being anti-racist is for racism to be an attitude of the past, enabling racial equality and an appreciation of cultural differences.
Name someone who inspires you in relation to race equality?
One person who I find incredibly inspiring is Darcus Howe. He was a part of the ‘Mangrove Nine’, a group of activists who were arrested and tried at the Old Bailey
for inciting a riot in 1970. He bravely decided to defend himself by exposing the police brutality in Notting Hill, which led to the acknowledgement of institutional racial
prejudice evidenced within the Metropolitan Police’s tactics.
This is greatly admired by me because he rose above the intimidation of the criminal justice system and chose to fight for equality in a setting where his freedom was at great risk.
What does Black History Month mean, and how is it important to you?
Black History Month is about celebrating and bringing awareness of the often overshadowed contributions of black individuals to our society. It’s a time where we
all can learn about British black history and how our roles have evolved over time to create the country that we live in today.
Gaining an understanding and appreciation of the hurdles that were often overcome by black individuals who achieved phenomenal things is incredibly motivational, and allows me to appreciate the
progress that has been made in relation to racial equality.
Do you have any advice on how to engage with anti-racism activity in York?
My advice is for individuals to be open and willing to engage in learning activities such as any BHM campaigns, and to participate in or initiate conversations about how to make everyone, no matter their ethnicity, feel comfortable in York.
“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve.”
Nelson Mandela
Leonie
Student and ACS Diversity and Inclusion Officer
(she/her)
What does anti-racism mean to you?
To me, being anti-racist means to be active and to take action. To not be silent when seeing racist behaviour or hearing racist language.
Especially over the past years, the awareness has grown that it is not enough to be “not racist”. So, anti-racism for me is the active engagement in the promotion of equality.
Name someone who inspires you in relation to race equality?
When thinking about inspirational voices, many big and powerful names come to mind who have inspired millions worldwide in their call for equality. In addition to them, what really inspires me are the smaller, the everyday voices that work to promote equality in their immediate personal context.
What does Black History Month mean, and how is it important to you?
Black History Month is a month of awareness, remembering, learning and discovery. To say it with the words of novelist Yaa Gyasi:
“We cannot know which story is correct because we were not there. We believe the one who has the power. He is the one who gets to write the story. So when you study history, you must always ask yourself: Whose story am I missing?”
Do you have any advice on how to engage with anti-racism activity in York
There are many different ways to engage with anti-racism. You can join societies such as the ACS or you can engage in events such as those happening around Black History Month.
However, I think it’s always important to remember that anti-racism is not limited to a certain space or place. Often the small gestures make the biggest difference.
Lawrencia
Student and ACS Welfare Officer
(she/her)
What does anti-racism mean to you?
To me, saying “I’m not racist” isn’t enough. All of us need to take a stand in society and actively embellish antiracist interventions in schools, workplaces, in the government etc… practically in our daily lives. Only then can racism become more than just a societal issue. Ultimately, anti racism will become a journey for the future we all hope for.
Name someone who inspires you in relation to race equality?
One person that truly inspires me is Harriet Tubman. After escaping slavery herself, she freed many other slaves even though it repeatedly put her life and freedom in danger.
Not only did she fight for equality in race, but also in gender, as she was active in the women’s suffrage movement. She is the living definition of courage!
What does Black History Month mean, and how is it important to you?
Black history month for me is an opportunity to embrace our culture, remembering and learning about what black people underwent as well as their achievements throughout history.
It’s important to me because it gives us the chance as a community to get comfortable talking about race; we are able to challenge misconceptions but also learn about what makes us unique, ultimately bringing unity.
Do you have any advice on how to engage with anti-racism activity in York?
There’s so much you can do!! From volunteering all the way to even sharing information online. Every contribution matters, no matter how small you might think it is!
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."
Maya Angelou
Ore
Student and ACS Treasurer
(she/her)
What does anti-racism mean to you?
Anti-racism means actively working to change systems and thought processes. It is at first a deconstructive process, working to unlearn certain ideas and prejudices before then educating yourself.
It also means that as a collective we should be working towards changing the systems which have been stacked against people of colour.
Name someone who inspires you in relation to race equality?
Babatunde Olatunji was a Nigerian musician who protested against racial segregation in the American South during the 1950's and 1960's. Although Olatunji was more widely known for his drumming, including a Grammy nomination and his compositions for Broadway and Hollywood, he also organised student-led protests against racially segregated buses in Atlanta even at risk of imprisonment.
Olatunji's story is an inspiration because he showed a willingness to fight for racial justice even at risk to himself, his career and his tenuous position as an immigrant in America.
What does Black History Month mean, and how is it important to you?
Black History Month provides an opportunity to remember and celebrate the histories of black people around the world. It is important to me because it brings to prominence black achievements and goes beyond the narratives of slavery and discrimination, offering the chance to have a more positive understanding of our past, present and future.
Do you have any advice on how to engage with anti-racism activity in York?
I think engaging with organisations that highlight racial justice issues and offering support. You could donate, volunteer or help raise awareness for their specific causes.
Also speaking to other people of colour and learning from their experiences is another way in which you could work towards unlearning racial biases.
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