As summer drew to a close, I wrapped up my break by attending the Society of Black Academics Annual Conference in Bristol. Leaving home at 5.30am and catching the train from Paddington, brought back memories of my Reading University days, as Reading is the first stop on the same route. Arriving Bristol, I was greeted by pouring rain and, got a little soaked! But even a wet Bristol couldn’t dampen my enthusiasm.
Here are highlights from the sessions:
1. Creating the Space for Black Excellence: Prof. Evelyn Welch, VC of Bristol University, emphasized how we must intentionally craft environments where Black scholars can shine and be heard.
2. Finding Deeper Career Purpose: The second session, moderated by Dr Teslim Oyegoke Bukoye , featured Professor Bernadine Idowu-Onibokun PhD, PFHEA, MRSB , Dr Wayne A Mitchell, and Cianne Jones. They shared personal stories of career discovery and explored the importance of mentorship. Mentor should be viewed as a two-way relationship where both the mentor and mentee contribute to each other’s growth. Dr Wayne emphasised ‘intentionality’ which involved thought and action.
3. The Power of Voice and Supporting Others: Moderated by Dr Oghale Ayetuoma (FHEA), this session included Dr Gillian Stokes and Dr Victoria Showunmi, who spoke about how empowering other black colleagues amplifies your own impact. Dr Victoria shared how her mental health is supported by her love of dogs and stand-up comedy, while Dr Gillian emphasized the importance of safe writing spaces for well-being.
4. The Need for Early-Career Proactivity: Prof. Amanze Ejiogu, along with Natasha Mutebi and Josh Freeman, emphasized in their session—moderated by Dr. Opeoluwa Aiyenitaju —Early career researchers should be proactive participants, not passive recipients.
5. Unblocking the Pipeline for Black Academics: The conference launched the “Unblocking the Pipeline” report, highlighting the retention and promotion of Black early-career academics. Josh Freeman and Becca Franssen, PhD , moderated by Bola O Babajide, emphasized the structural changes needed to support Black scholars in their academic journeys.
6. Mental Health and Sustainable Careers: The final session, moderated by *Aniekan Essien, was on integrating mental health into our academic careers. Herbert Mwebe, Dawn Edge, Dr Tokunbo Fasuyi, and @Lola Olamosu offered practical strategies for self-care, crucial for sustainable academic careers.
I reflect on the conference, with a mix of emotions. I was inspired by the conversations, yet saddened that a lot of the challenges I faced as a Black minority early in my UK career are still present today.
A special thank you to Dr Ade Oyedijo for his leadership and vision, and to Prof. Stephen Eichhorn for hosting such an important event.
We must continue to push for change, support each other, and most importantly, create our own opportunities to thrive.
#Mentorship #SBAConference #BlackAcademics #Inclusion #MentalHealth #Networking
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