Reclaiming Narratives: Black academics leading the charge for change

Organised by PhD candidates Temitayo Lawal (UCL Institute for Education) and Cianne Jones (UCL Faculty of Laws), the event shone a light on the essential contributions of Black women in academia, calling attention to the importance of fostering global collaboration. Supported by Dr. Victoria Showunmi (Associate Professor and Vice Dean, UCL) and sponsored by Leading Routes, the conference emphasised the creation of networks that break barriers and empower Black women scholars across the globe.

The conference did more than just gather Black women from diverse academic disciplines—it became a powerful platform for reasserting their voices and perspectives in spaces where they have long been marginalised. It celebrated their achievements, encouraged international partnerships, and created space for personal and collective growth. Through panel discussions and keynotes, participants not only shared their journeys but also redefined what leadership, power, and progress mean for Black women academics.

Reclaiming Power and Narratives in Academia

At the heart of the conference was the belief that Black women, and Black academics in general, are reclaiming their narratives and reshaping academic spaces that have often excluded their stories. A keynote by Professor Carol Henderson, Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion at Emory University, addressed the increasing hostilities towards EDI in the United States and described how she and other colleagues are navigating that space. Professor Henderson also unveiled her new book, “Chief Diversity Officers in Higher Education Today, narrative of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” which addresses the global landscape of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).

Professor Stephanie Evans, Co-Chair of the Chair at the Table Research Collective and Professor at Georgia State University also introduced her latest publication Black Feminist Writing, a book that supports scholars to manage the stress of writing and publishing academic books. Professor Evan’s praised the BWIA conference team for creating “opportunities to centre voices from all areas of academe, including faculty, staff, and graduate students modelling a non-hierarchical appreciation of Black women’s contributions to professional spaces.”

Global Collaboration and the Power of Networks

The theme of international collaboration was explored in depth during panel discussions. The session “The Power and Potential of International Collaboration” featured insights from Dr. Victoria Showunmi (UCL), Professor Stephanie Evans (Giorgia State University), and Dr. Jenny Douglas (Open University). They discussed how Black academics can leverage global networks to elevate their careers and influence.

This sentiment was echoed by Professor Tracy Sharpley-Whiting (Vanderbilt University) and Dr. Gillian Stokes (UCL) in the session “Navigating the Profession: Promotion and Leadership.” Talking about the conference, Professor Sharpley-Whiting commented:

"The gathering of Black women academics at UCL Faculty of Laws was not just a space for intellectual exchange but a vital act of reclamation. In a world that so often marginalises our voices, gatherings such as these allow us to reflect on our research, mentor one another across generations and academic journeys, and build networks of support. Together, we created a radical community where our work was seen, our voices amplified, and our collective knowledge will inevitably reshape the academy."

Creating Space for Black PhD Researchers

A critical part of reclaiming narratives is supporting emerging scholars as they navigate the challenges of doctoral programs and early academic careers. In the session "Staying the Course: Black Women PhD Researchers in Academia," moderated by Temitayo Lawal (PhD candidate IOE, UCL), PhD candidates like Cianne Jones (UCL), Sasha McKoy (Goldsmiths University) and Kimberley Aparisio (IOE, UCL) shared their journeys. Their discussions illuminated the specific barriers Black women face during their studies, from isolation to systemic bias, and the importance of building supportive academic communities and networks. Talking about the support that she had received from UCL, Cianne commented:

"There are so many talented young women who are prevented from pursuing academia because they do not have the financial capital nor the knowledge that financial support exists. I would not be pursuing a PhD today without the financial support of UCL. In 2020 I received the Dean's Scholarship which enabled me to pursue a Masters in International Human Rights and in 2022 I received the BAME Opportunity Scholarship at UCL to pursue the PhD. We need to share these opportunities widely and support the next generation of scholars."

Black Women Leaders in Professional Services

The conference also examined the intersection of academia and professional services in the panel "Academia, Research and Practice: Black Women Leaders in Professional Services." Panellists, including Adwoa Darko (Head of EDI at UCL), Professor Carol Henderson (Emory University)  and Paulette Williams (Founder of Leading Routes), discussed the need to be strategic both in the advocacy for EDI in institutions, but also in the pursuit of projects that can benefit marginalised staff and Faculty.  

Showcasing Black Excellence at SBA: A Collective Voice

The conversations initiated at the UCL conference continued the next day at the Society of Black Academics (SBA) 4th Annual Conference, themed “Creating the Space, the Voice, and the Opportunities to Demonstrate Black Excellence.” Supported by the University of Bristol and Professor Steve Eichhorn, the hybrid conference showcased the achievements of Black academics from across the UK while also highlighting the structural challenges that hinder their progress.

SBA has consistently provided a platform for Black academics to connect, share experiences, and promote Black excellence in higher education. Since its founding in 2021, SBA has held numerous workshops and conferences on topics ranging from career development and mentorship to impactful research and resilience in academia.

A standout moment was the launch of the report "Unblocking the Pipeline: Supporting the Retention, Progression, and Promotion of Black Early-Career Academics," produced in partnership with Gatenby Sanderson and the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI). The report provided data-driven insights into the barriers facing Black academics, while offering concrete solutions to foster their advancement.

Panels like "Creating Spaces – Finding Myself and Finding a Deeper Career Purpose" featured speakers such as Professor Bernadine Idowu-Onibokun (University of West London), Dr Wayne Mitchell (Imperial College) and Cianne Jones (UCL) who all shared personal stories on their career journey and emphasised the importance of mentorship and safe spaces for black academics. Reflecting on her career and the conference Professor Idowu-Onibokun commented:

"Eight years ago, I founded the BME Early Careers Researcher (ECR) network at King’s College London. Today, it has grown into an international network, and I am thrilled to see the success of creating safe spaces to empower ECRs expanding with SBA.

"The experience was truly refreshing and insightful. It was wonderful to hear academics bring their unique interpretations of the theme and present them authentically."

A Call for Equity and Collaboration

Through international collaboration, leadership development, and the creation of spaces for Black academics to thrive, the BWIA and SBA conferences underscore the urgent need to continue reclaiming academic spaces for Black scholars. The fight for equity in academia is far from over, but these events make clear that Black academics are not just participating in this fight—they are leading it.

By fostering supportive networks, amplifying voices, and addressing systemic barriers, Black scholars are paving the way for future generations to claim their rightful place in academia. Their work is a testament to the power of reclaiming narratives, and their legacy will inspire change for years to come.