60% of our students are from a minority ethnic background

The ‘Living Black at University’ report was published in February 2022 by Unite Students and Halpin Partnership. It was the first research in the UK to focus on the experience of Black students in student accommodation. The research revealed how much work was still to be done within the sector to meet the needs of Black students and to create an equal sense of belonging.

Minority ethnic students make up over 60% of the student population at the University of Leicester, including a growing community of students from Black backgrounds. The University is committed to ensuring inclusivity and equity in all areas of our students’ experience, which includes developing a culture of anti-racism. To ensure this, we are working closely with our Black students and staff to develop our services, facilities, and provisions to ensure that any perceived and actual barriers are addressed. We want to ensure that our Black community are able to fully take part in the university experience.

In 2022, The University achieved a Bronze Race Equality Charter Mark award. The Charter is a framework which requires the University to monitor, analyse and implement actions to address the racial disparities across the student and staff lifecycles in relation to representation, experience, progression, and success.

It is important that our equity and inclusion work is not determined and bound by equality charters and their aligned awards, rather, that we use them to measure and benchmark the progress we are making. In collaboration with the Students’ Union, the University is undertaking a range of initiatives which look to improve the representation, experiences, progression, and success of Black students. These include the Black Student Experience Working Group, Black Leadership Programme for undergraduates, the Black Excellence Programme run by the School of Business, and the annual Black Excellence Gala run by the Students’ Union.

Definitions

·      Colourism: Skin shade prejudice where individuals with darker skin experience disadvantages compared to those with lighter skin shades. This affects their educational achievement, job prospects, and relationship opportunities.

·      Texturism: The discrimination faced by individuals with kinkier, tighter-curled hair textures.

·      Tokenism: The practice of making only a symbolic effort to be inclusive or to do a particular thing, without genuine engagement or change.

·      Anti-Blackness: Attitudes or actions that are resistant or antagonistic to Black people or their values and goals.

·      Afrocentrism: A focus on or influence by African cultures or those of African origin, emphasizing Afrocentric ideas and attitudes.

Black History Month

In the UK, we celebrate Black History Month every October. Using art, culture, and entertainment, the month aims to explore Black stories both past and present to highlight the Black community. The month is celebrated across the globe with a view that Black history is to be celebrated and represented all year round! Here at Leicester, our staff, students, and wider community have come together year on year to take part in these celebrations, with a host of interactive events, activities, and sessions to highlight achievements and cultural highlights within the Black community.

Find out more about what’s on at: le.ac.uk/black-history-month

Feelings of Belonging

Sometimes as Black students we may feel we are not Black enough for Black spaces, and not white enough for white spaces - especially if we are not afforded the same leniency to make mistakes or learn as non-Black students. Distancing ourselves from others because we don’t have a safe space can make university hard to navigate and a lonely place to be. When we feel validated, accepted, and valued within universities, we are given room to thrive and simply be ourselves! You have a right to take up space and create safe spaces for yourself. It is not your responsibility to make people feel comfortable. Other people’s discomfort is not your problem.

The University’s curated reading list for Black History Month offers a wide range of reading and audio material to dive into. Check out the list for your next favourite read. You can also support the library through their Represent campaign, to help diversify our collections or if you are a current University of Leicester student, become a Library Champion and work with the library to help improve the student experience in the library.

If you’re feeling disconnected, you’re not alone. There are many student societies for bringing together communities of Black students. Reach out to others in your circle or speak to our team in Residence Life. The University also runs a project called Standing Together to help create a more inclusive campus. Find out more, or reach out for support, at reportandsupport.le.ac.uk.

Events this Year

·      Saturday 21st September: Dinner Fundraising & Sickle Cell Awareness Night at the African Caribbean Centre

·      Saturday 5th October: The Big Discussion: Double Counsciousness – BHM 2024 at the African Caribbean Centre

·      Friday 18th October: A Journey through Black Music – BHM 2024 at the African Caribbean Centre

·      Friday 25th October 2024: Comedy Night: Africa vs Caribbean – BHM 2024 at the African Caribbean Centre

Wellbeing Resources for Black Students

·      Black People Talk: Black People Talk create and nurture safe spaces for conversations about Black mental health. They provide a wealth of online resources and peer-support groups. Visit blackpeopletalk.co.uk.

·      Black Minds Matter UK: Connecting Black individuals and families with free mental health services by professional Black therapists. Visit blackmindsmatteruk.com.

·      Black, African and Asian Therapy Network: Home of the largest community of Counsellors and Psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean Heritage in the UK. Visit baatn.org.uk.

·      Black Girl In Om: Creating space for Black women with digital memberships and a free podcast. Visit blackgirlinom.com.

·      The Underbelly: Wellness through yoga, with a community for everyone. Visit theunderbelly.com.

·      Adhar Project: provides community-based mental health support for Asian and Black African/Caribbean communities in Leicester, offering services such as drop-in sessions, peer support, and one-to-one assistance.  

Careers Resources for Black Students

·      Careers and Employability Service: See how the University can guide you to your perfect opportunity and access the MyCareers portal. The careers team offers 1-2-1 coaching, guidance, and interview practice. Open 09.00 - 16.00, Monday to Friday excluding closure days. Visit le.ac.uk/career-development-service.

·      ULSB Black Excellence Group: The Black Excellence Group offers a range of resources for students and highlights the achievements of individuals in the Black community. The group is open to all staff and students at the School of Business. Email ulsb.blackexcellence@le.ac.uk.

·      Black Leadership Programme: The Black Leadership Programme looks to equip students from Black heritage with the inspiration, support, and experience to enhance their leadership skills and accelerate their professional development. Find out more on the MyCareers portal.

·      Black Heritage Future Leaders: Provided by Bright Network. Learn from and connect with Black heritage senior leaders representing over 16 leading global employers.

·      10,000 Interns Foundation: Championing under-represented talent, at scale. The 10,000 Interns Foundation has created thousands of internship placements for under-represented groups to promote equality of opportunity. Visit 10000internsfoundation.com.

·      Black Tech Fest: Three days dedicated to celebrating Black culture and its influence on technology. Convening Black talent, allies, and the world’s leading tech companies to connect, network, and discover. Visit blacktechfest.com.

·      PwC Black Talent in Business Programme: A yearly programme to foster Black undergraduate talent. With interactive sessions delivered in-person over a three-day paid opportunity.

·      KPMG Black Heritage Talent Insight Programme: A yearly programme for students of Black heritage seeking an insight into a career in Audit, Tax, Legal, Consulting, Deal Advisory, and Technology services.

Reading List by Black Authors

The University’s curated reading list for Black History Month offers a wide range of reading and audio material to dive into. Check out the list for your next favourite read. You can also support the library through their Represent campaign, to help diversify our collections or if you are a current University of Leicester student, become a Library Champion and work with the library to help improve the student experience in the library.