Tell us about yourself

My name is Tabitha Ajao and I am the 2022 Beds SU Co-Vice Present for Campus Engagement and Equality.

My photo is of me and my cheerleading team mates, here at Bedfordshire.

What makes you Proud?

What makes me proud is continuing to thrive in the world as a black woman.

Why does this make you Proud?

At times being a black woman has its challenges, I am proud to face these challenges head on to show other black women in our community that we can thrive and excel in the world.

What does Black History Month mean to you – what’s its importance?

For me Black History Month, is a time where we reflect on the bravery of those who came before us. Those who fought for the freedom of black people everywhere. Their work continues to inspire conversations and actions on racial injustices black people face. 

Is there anything you’d like to share with us about your experiences of Black history, heritage and culture?

Growing up in predominantly white areas, where I felt uncomfortable being myself. As an adult, I’ve learnt to be proud of who I am, from my natural 4c hair to my skin.

What advice would you have for allies wishing to celebrate or learn about Black History Month?

To be a true ally I believe you must first, recognise your privilege and use that privilege to be a part of the ongoing fight against racial injustice. Continue to learn about black history.

How to you hope to instil Pride in your peers and future generations?

Through being myself, as a black woman refusing to be anything else. Being proud of every part of my culture, I hope in doing so will instil pride in my peers and future generations.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Carly Ramirez-Herelle, and I am the Head of Library Services for the Luton, Bedford and Aylesbury campuses. I am also Vice Chair of the Race Equality Network.

The photo I have shared is of my beautiful family - my husband Damian and my daughter, Alissa-Jay.

What makes you Proud?

I am Proud to be… a Black woman in a space that is not typically occupied by people that look like me.

Why does this make you Proud?

I recognise the challenge in being Black and feeling like you don’t belong; a sort of imposter syndrome that creates a glass ceiling. I am proud that I have been able to overcome this. The encouragement and support of family, friends and colleagues has been both nurturing and uplifting.

What does Black History Month mean to you – what’s its importance?

It is vital to shine a light on Black British history, which is so often buried deep within a textbook or ‘forgotten’ altogether. Growing up, I was taught nothing at all about the presence of Blacks in Britain. It seemed Black British history started when Empire Windrush docked in 1948! If history was taught accurately, I would have learnt that we were present centuries before.  I had to seek out this information. 

Black History Month is an opportunity to tell those stories and to celebrate the richness of our history and culture. It feels like we control the narrative (for a bit)!

Is there anything you’d like to share with us about your experiences of Black history, heritage and culture?

It was not until adulthood that I was able to contextualise my place. I think lots of Black Brits find themselves in this void. I am not British because I am not white, and although I have Caribbean roots, I am British born. Learning about my history and heritage has contributed to developing my sense of belonging and identity.

What advice would you have for allies wishing to celebrate or learn about Black History Month?

My advice is that Black history is British history. There is a month dedicated to celebrating our achievements and history, but Black history cannot be confined to 31 days! Seek and ye shall find! It is not to the omission of our allies’ stories, rather recognising that alongside what has been taught, there are perspectives and experiences that are interrelated and of equal value.

How to you hope to instil Pride in your peers and future generations?

Your life’s journey may present challenges based on biases and assumptions. Do not allow yourself to be defined. Be unforgiving in your authenticity.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Candy and I work for Beds SU as the Member Relations Coordinator.

What makes you Proud?

I’m proud to be black

Why does this make you Proud?

Black Excellence. The influence of the black people and the community which has helped to shape society, culture and traditions from ancient civilisation right through to the 21^st century.

What does Black History Month mean to you – what’s its importance?

The month is a period of not only the reflection of the history of black people, but also to celebrate the black communities influence, culture, and traditions amongst society worldwide. It’s a month to promote the advancement and future of the black community to overcome the institutionalised racism, inequality and oppression still faced by recognising black excellence.

Is there anything you’d like to share with us about your experiences of Black history, heritage and culture?

I was born in Jamaica in the mid 90s and immigrated to the UK in the early 2000s. My father and his parents came to England during the Windrush period. My great-great grandfather on my father’s side was a white Scottish man. My grandfather was born in the 1920s in Jamaica so it is likely that my great-great grandfather was a slave owner. Knowing this always poses as a reminder that ‘slavery was not so long ago’ as some may say.

What advice would you have for allies wishing to celebrate or learn about Black History Month?

Do independent research and learn the history, culture, and traditions. Also ask relevant questions based on this research. Celebrate black history by appreciating the culture and traditions without appropriating it.

How to you hope to instil Pride in your peers and future generations?

Continuing to learn and talk about black history culture and traditions so I can be an influential social advocate.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Boteko, I spent most of my upbringing in South East London but my parents are originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Boteko means leader in my tribe language, and I’d like to think that description fits me well. I’m the oldest of six siblings and a first-generation university graduate in Marketing. 

What makes you Proud?

What makes me proud is everything that makes me – my culture, my colour and my faith. 

Why does this make you Proud?

I’m proud because I can see the beauty in it all. I think it’s beautiful to be black, I think black culture is beautiful, and I also think my faith is a beautiful thing too. I’m reminded of this every time I’m around my family and my community – we have a certain style, flavour and swagger that's sprinkled over everything we do and that makes me feel so, so proud. 

What does Black History Month mean to you – what’s its importance?

Black people haven’t always been painted in the best light and so to me Black History Month carries huge significance because it allows us as a society to reflect on the amazing contributions that black people have made on history. On a personal level, it reminds me that I too can have an impact on the world around me and makes me want to be an inspiration for others that look, and sound like me.

Is there anything you’d like to share with us about your experiences of Black history, heritage and culture?

My mum was an immigrant from The Congo and so ever since I can remember I’ve been immersed in the culture – the language (which I can speak fluently), the food and the way of being are all sentimental to me and a big part of my heritage. Actually, I have a really interesting cultural dynamic because as someone born and raised in the western world, I’ve also been heavily exposed to blackness from a multitude of lenses which gives me an interesting ear for music, fashion and art. 

What advice would you have for allies wishing to celebrate or learn about Black History Month?

Literally, get stuck in! Grab a book, watch a documentary really invest yourself. I plan on doing it myself too – learning about your heritage takes you into a new level of understanding. 

How do you hope to instil Pride in your peers and future generations?

Excellence! Excellence needs representation and if I can achieve excellence then people who are like me will want to be excellent too.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Abraham Onafowokan. I am a Graphic Design alumni and graduated from the School of Art & Design in 2020.

What makes you Proud?

I’m Proud To Be… a Black creative artist.

Why does this make you Proud?

This makes me proud because being a creative artist allows me to express and share my stories through music or any other art form. Being an artist, it allows me to make people feel something, either through hearing or seeing what I’ve created. 

What does Black History Month mean to you – what’s its importance?

Black History Month means a lot to me as not only is it a month to celebrate Black people but it’s also a month for Nigerian Independence. As a Nigerian myself this month is truly a time to celebrate all cultures, especially my Nigerian culture. 

Is there anything you’d like to share with us about your experiences of Black history, heritage and culture?

This summer I was able to take part in short film titled ‘Why?’ which was directed by Rojal J Myers. The short film is about the racial tension with in the UK and shows the different side of everyday Black people you don’t normally seen on your TV screens. I felt honoured to have a role in this film – I was just myself, being very proud of that. The short film got nominations from a big industry film festival and, honestly, it made me feel like I was able to be part of something powerful that spoke to everyone visually. 

What advice would you have for allies wishing to celebrate or learn about Black History Month?

My advice for allies wishing to celebrate and learn about Black History Month is to just take in as much as you can. Don’t be dismissive and be genuine that you want to celebrate and learn.

How to you hope to instil Pride in your peers and future generations?

I hope that through my actions and by just being myself and carefree is enough to instil that pride, because I feel when you know who you are as a person and you know where you want to try and go, you become literally unstoppable!

Tell us about your photo?

It’s a happy and proud moment with my close friends.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Annie Apakoh and I’m currently studying Media Performance for Film, TV and Theatre with the School of Media and Performance.

What makes you Proud?

I'm Proud To Be… a young Black female easing into the acting industry.

Why does this make you Proud?

This makes me proud as I can show representation for my culture. Seeing me on stage or screen will allow more young Black girls to gain confidence and make them feel seen in the industry, and give them the encouragement to chase what they love.

What does Black History Month mean to you – what’s its importance?

I'm grateful for every Black History Month as it's a chance for people to learn more about our culture. It allows racial equality in the world and in the University.

Is there anything you’d like to share with us about your experiences of Black history, heritage and culture?

I'm African and Caribbean so I try to embrace both sides as much as I can! I try to experience both sides of my heritage in terms of music, food and clothing. In this past year, during lockdown while not being able to travel, I've been learning more about my African side and have been trying to learn the language Fante! I’m still getting the basics out the way – it's not easy but I love learning it!

What advice would you have for allies wishing to celebrate or learn about Black History Month?

Enjoy learning it and celebrating it! If you have questions just ask or read about it. Don't feel like it's a crime to ask something you would like an answer to.

How to you hope to instil Pride in your peers and future generations?

Every day I instil positivity that I'm proud to be Black and I continue to remind my peers that are also part of the community that they should be too! As well as this I'm proud to be in an area where there are so many mixed cultures. No matter your race, you should embrace it and every generation here and after should embrace who they are too.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Dr Claudette Kika. I am a lecturer in Management, teaching predominantly strategy units with the Business School.

What makes you Proud?

I’m Proud To Be… a lecturer with ‘Dr’ as my title.

Why does this make you Proud?

I am the first member from both sides of my family to complete a PhD. As a lecturer it gives me great joy in making a different in students’ lives. Being a lecturer there is an element of pastoral care and building life-long relationships with the students. I feel proud to be a lecturer because it gives me a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction. I am also doing the most important task of shaping the future by guiding my students’ many career goals.

What does Black History Month mean to you – what’s its importance?

Black History Month is important to me because it celebrates the impact and contributions that we as a people have provided the world. Black History Month gives us an insight into the real lives of Black people and what we are capable of achieving no matter the difficulties. To sum it up, anything is possible.

What advice would you have for allies wishing to celebrate or learn about Black History Month?

There are many things people can do, such as:

• Support Black-owned businesses
• Learn about key Black figures and their contribution to Black history and culture (i.e. in the US – Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks, and in the UK – Olaudah Equiano and Sir Trevor McDonald)
• Donate to charities that Support Anti-Racism Equity and Equality (i.e. SARI – Stand up Against Racism and Inequality)
• Purchase, read and share books by Black authors (i.e. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman)
• Support and learn about Black women (i.e. in the US – Kamala Harris and the poet Amanda Gorman, and in the UK – Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Mary Seacole)
• Participate in online events
• Attend Black History Month celebrations, whether it be virtually or in person

How to you hope to instil Pride in your peers and future generations?

By telling them to stay true to themselves, build up a good reputation, make good use of their time, always try and improve themselves and to put their unique stamp on everything they try and achieve.

Any other thoughts?

I’ll leave you with some lines from my favourite poem by Maya Angelou – ‘Still I rise’:

Just like moons and like suns

With the certainty of tides

Just like hopes springing high

Still I'll rise

Tell us about your photo?

It’s a picture of me at my PhD graduation.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Dr Sambulelwe Sibanda. I am an Academic Portfolio Lead of the Study Centres with the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences.

What makes you Proud?

I’m Proud to Be… Black and living life in fullness.

Why does this make you Proud?

Being Black to me is a reality I proudly embrace with every fibre in my body. This goes beyond skin pigmentation or geographical roots but rather defines a legacy of multi-generational resilience, drive, vision, values and successes against all odds.

What does Black History Month mean to you – what’s its importance?

Black History Month is about creating awareness of the rich history of Black people that is more often than not distorted and told through the wrong lens by the wrong people. It is about showcasing our proud heritage and celebrating the brave who have shown the way and modelled values before our time.

Is there anything you’d like to share with us about your experiences of Black history, heritage and culture?

My Black childhood was one of joy and happiness because my family and extended family members were all resourceful persons to me. I grew up as a child of the community and that instilled some values and virtues I have carried into adult life, such as respect, conscientiousness and compassion.  

What advice would you have for allies wishing to celebrate or learn about Black History Month?

It is no secret many would have suffered their fair share of prejudice just because of their Black heritage. They may also share with me the fact Black history needs rewriting so it is authentic and we can do that by not allowing any injustices to devalue the richness of our heritage. There must be an inner resilience and grit to be able to stand up and rightly take our place in society and be the drivers of a free and fair society. We must stand and celebrate who we are as we know who we are and are proud of who we are.

How do you hope to instil Pride in your peers and future generations?

By leading a driven and inspirational life that lives a telling mark and is part of individual and collective legacy that speaks clearly and loudest to those around. 

By staying true to myself and leaning on the foundational values of ‘ubuntu’ that have not only shaped my life but countless illustrious and successful Black women and men who have excelled in their chosen fields and spheres of influence.

Any other thoughts?

Black History Month provides a perfect opportunity to advance the change in narrative of our Black history, heritage and culture.  We must unreservedly celebrate the richness of our culture and showcase the positive contribution to society of the heroes and heroines of yesteryear and present day.

Tell us about your photo?

My PhD graduation two months after the birth of my first born girl.

Tell us about yourself

I am Antoinette Mutabazi a survivor of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, a mother and wife. I am also an inspirational speaker and an advocate, and I enjoy working with young people.

I am currently the Interim Chaplain at the University’s Treehouse Community & Faith Centre on the Luton campus.

What makes you Proud?

I am proud to be Black African woman. I am proud to be Rwandan.

Why does this make you Proud?

I am proud to have been born in a continent with rich diversity, cultural heritage and many languages – a traditional and wealthy continent.

I am a proud Rwandan for the high number of women in administrative positions including parliaments. And Rwanda has become the peace supplier for other nations around the continent.

What does Black History Month mean to you – what’s its importance?

It is an opportunity to understand Black histories, to educate the next generation. It is an invitation to stop racism and build peace in our communities. It’s also a reminder that we are all human.

It’s a month to appreciate the achievements of Black society, celebrate their huge contribution and learn about Black figures and their contribution in daily life on this planet.

Is there anything you’d like to share with us about your experiences of Black history, heritage and culture?

If you want to learn about diversity, follow the African life story.

What advice would you have for allies wishing to celebrate or learn about Black History Month?

Change your mind set about Black Africans and understand that they are capable and have a lot to offer in society.

How to you hope to instil Pride in your peers and future generations?

My hope is that we educate the next generation to accept all.