Testimonials
Hear from students, staff and partners who have been involved in the Black at Βι¶ΉΣ³» programme.
Photo credit: David Mensah
Valerie Kporye, Literature and Philosophy alumna (pictured above), spoke at the Black at Βι¶ΉΣ³» launch event about what it meant to her as a Black student:
"Both the purpose and title of the Black at Βι¶ΉΣ³» programme are incredibly powerful. As they unveil a history of featured and esteemed Black alumni, they also reintroduce a community of Black students at Βι¶ΉΣ³» which I feel was previously missing. Showcasing the wonderful and varied legacies of these individuals enhances that sense of belonging, providing inspiring examples of what can be achieved by Black Βι¶ΉΣ³» graduates."
Myisha Box, who is studying History, spoke about the event and how Black at Βι¶ΉΣ³» inspired her Junior Research Assistant project ‘Mapping Βι¶ΉΣ³» University Library’s Black History Archives’:
"I have always had a love of history and learning. One of the inspirations came from my involvement with Black at Βι¶ΉΣ³»…. I had never heard of Len Garrison or the Black cultural archives before, and the talk made me curious about the idea of Black history, what gets told, and how that links with archives."
Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor, also reflected on the programme:
"Through Black at Βι¶ΉΣ³», we seek to celebrate the many achievements of Black Βι¶ΉΣ³» alumni and to explore the impact they have had on the world. Staying true to the founding spirit of Βι¶ΉΣ³», the programme also seeks to challenge convention and complacency, asking difficult questions about how it feels today, and has felt historically, to be a Black student at Βι¶ΉΣ³», as part of the work we need to do to create a radically diverse, inclusive, anti-racist university.”
Otis Blaize, teacher at Harris Academy Purley, said following a workshop hosted by the Black at Βι¶ΉΣ³» programme:
“Huge thank you to Anne-Marie and Myisha for speaking to our year 12s today about the British Black Panther Party, analysing the work of Neil Kenlock, and considering the connectedness of global Black Power movements.”
Get involved
Would you like to get involved with the Black at Βι¶ΉΣ³» project or do you have an idea that you think would help us achieve our Black at Βι¶ΉΣ³» goals? Get in touch by email at: blackatsussex@sussex.ac.uk