Last month, the University of Aberdeen welcomed representatives from Black Impact to our Old Aberdeen Campus.
Black Impact is a student network that seeks to empower and support the leadership development and career aspirations of Black students across the UK. Since Black Impact’s establishment in 2017, 120 Black students have been trained and supported to enter leadership positions. The first and only Black British student awards – The Black Impact Graduation Awards – were established with the third edition being held next year, celebrating the achievements and successes of Black graduates.
We are delighted to sponsor Black Impact for a second year. Sponsoring this vital work is important to us as we continue to implement our Antiracism Strategy and our inclusive commitments through the University’s Strategic Plan, Aberdeen 2040. The University of Aberdeen is committed to challenging racism and racial inequality in our institution. We are striving to be a University that is open and welcoming, diverse and inclusive. We recognise the presence of systemic racism, both in wider society and within our institution, and the challenges this presents to our Black students.
Founder of Black Impact, Ceewhy Ochoga said that “the visit to University of Aberdeen was a brilliant opportunity to see what real steps institutions are making towards tackling inequality in higher education and specifically racism. As an organisation, Black Impact is very proud of its association and partnership with Aberdeen and truly grateful for the support we have received for our work”.
Student Association President, Vanessa Mabonso Nzolo said, “I can proudly say that our university’s senior management is taking steps towards acknowledging our experiences. Sponsoring Black Impact is one of those steps to bridging gaps in success, wellbeing, and developing an equitable student experience for racially minoritized students.
Our community has passionate and ambitious students who would love to collaborate with Black Impact and tap into their expertise, insight, and industry connections. Receiving mentoring from people who represent your experience is essential, and I wish I would have been able to access a resource like this, while I was a student. The many conversations on the day confirmed that Black Impact is what we need in the future to achieve a community that is open to all.”
Professor Ruth Taylor, co-convenor of the University’s Race Equality Strategy Group adds “we are absolutely delighted to be partnering with Black Impact and seeing how their work and input are positively supporting and impacting on Black students. We look forward to our continuing relationship, working together to achieve further positive impact”.
Through collective effort and dedication, the University of Aberdeen strives to make positive changes so that all our students can reach their full potential. We look forward to continuing our support for Black Impact in its mission to inspire and empower Black students across the UK and in our University.