Imogeen Denton

BCU Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

“We know that Black history is everyone’s history and should be celebrated all year round. Until we achieve Black history 365, let’s use this month to advocate for people who are negatively impacted by anti-Black racism; to educate all people about our shared history; and to acknowledge, champion and celebrate the positive contributions and impact made by Black people locally and globally throughout time.”

What does being a part of the BCU community mean to you as a Black staff member?

“As a Black woman and as the lead for Equality Diversity and Inclusion, I feel very connected to BCU through the shared histories and experiences of students and colleagues.I feel like I belong here, and that I’m part of a movement that is making a positive impact on the lives of communities who are often overlooked. What drives me is my mission to ensure everyone at BCU feels seen, heard and valued and empowered to achieve their full potential.”

How do you see the importance of representation/narrative in higher education?

“I’m very aware of the importance of representation and the importance of changing the narrative in higher education. When you see people who look like you doing and achieving great things, it gives you confidence that you are more likely to be understood, it makes them more relatable and reinforces the belief that you can also achieve great things. We need to change the narrative in HE and challenge dominant cultures that have a negative impact on Black people, to one that values diverse perspectives, celebrates, and recognises the significant contributions to knowledge made by Black people.”

Soroibe Onyedikachi

Computer Science student and Nigerian Society member

How do you see the importance of representation/narrative in higher education?

Being part of the Birmingham City University (BCU) community as a Black student is like finding a home that truly understands and celebrates your identity. With inspiring Black leaders, such as BCU Chancellor Ade Adepitan and Vice Chancellor Professor David Mba , BCU stands as a beacon of diversity and inclusion.

Dr Olusegun Ilori

BCU Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering

“The richness of black skin is not just in its hue but in the deep history and wisdom it carries, an embodiment of resilience, brilliance and grace.”

Professor Marcia Wilson

BCU Pro Vice-Chancellor Education

“As the University’s new Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education, I’ll be looking for BCU to make real advancements in how we build equity and inclusive practices within our diverse community. I want our university to ensure that each of our students – whatever their background – is given the right support and opportunities to meet their potential.”

“That’s why learning about Black history is so important. It serves as a reminder to address imbalance when we encounter it and, by seeking to correct the narratives of Black history and culture, we go some way to restoring balance.

I hope you’re able to visit, take part in, or simply enjoy the events that BCU is hosting this year for Black History Month. They are a valuable opportunity to increase awareness, and for our community to understand more about the lived experiences of our students.”

Professor David Mba

BCU Vice-Chancellor

“For a university dedicated to inclusion and representation, it is always important for us to get behind October’s Black History Month.

This year’s theme of Reclaiming Narratives is one that resonates for BCU, as it seeks to recognise and correct the narratives of Black history and culture. It is a theme that is close to my heart – indeed, I am working with BCU colleagues and peers across the UK to help shift the dial on Black representation within higher education.”

I am pleased to see that BCU is leading the way in showcasing Black culture, through events such as the Birmingham Race Impact Group Summit at the Pavilion on 30 October and via our sponsorship of The Black Talent Awards on 4 October.

Please keep an eye out for the Black History Month events that are taking place across campus. I urge you and your friends to take time out to appreciate our celebration of Black culture and history.”

Oluwafemi Ajiboye

Management and International Business Masters student

What does being a part of the BCU community mean to you as a Black student?

“BCU community gives me a sense of belonging, whenever I enter into the building I feel at home even though I am thousands of miles away from home, but hey! Home is anywhere you feel comfortable, heard, and seen. Migrating to a new environment with a diverse culture is quite a lot to deal with and it can be overwhelming, I am grateful for the communities in BCU such as the Nigerian Society where I was able to connect with fellow Nigerians such as myself. Also, BCUSU is always ready to help with any queries making it way easier to navigate the environment.”

Brianna Bell

Law student and member of Afro-Caribbean Society (ACS)

“Black representation in higher education is a subject that’s incredibly close to my heart. Growing up in Jamaica as a young girl, I remember how powerful it was to see people who looked like me achieve greatness. It was more than just inspiring, it planted seeds of belief and ambition in me, showing me that my dreams were valid and were achievable. That feeling, the sense of belonging and pride, is something I carry with me today, and I know it’s something that resonates with many young Black girls across the world.”

“In a contemporary world, and very diverse university, black representation to me, serves as a beacon of hope and motivation, reminding us that we have a place in these spaces, that we are not just participants, but contributors and successors. When I see Black professors and academics, it tells me that higher education is not exclusive or hard to reach, but it is something we all can excel in. It’s empowering to see people who share my heritage, stand at the forefront and are breaking barriers that may have seemed impossible to overcome many years ago.

For me, and probably the reality of many trying young black women , representation doesn’t just inspire us to pursue our goals, it shows us what’s possible. It challenges the systemic barriers that have historically kept people of color from certain spaces, and it dismantles stereotypes, paving the way for future generations to achieve even more. It allows us to picture ourselves as part of the broader academic scene, where our voices, experiences, and perspectives are needed.

Beyond individual motivation, it helps create a community where Black students feel seen and encouraged. It helps foster a sense of belonging in environments that can often feel isolating. As an international student myself, I felt a warm welcome from a few black professors that I have met and held conversations with. But when I continued to see the vast majority professors present across multiple faculties, who understand the systematic challenges, it makes all the difference. It reassures us that we are not alone and that our struggles, while difficult, are shared and can be overcome.”