Celebrating Black History Month 2023

In collaboration with the Graduate Common Room (GCR), the Black Students’ Society at Green Templeton College hosted an academic lecture on Thursday 12 October 2023 to celebrate Black History Month. The theme for this year, ‘Supporting the Black Community to Thrive’ reflected the college’s commitment to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment.

Dr Gloria Karungo Ngaiza (GCR Black Students Co-representative and Black Students’ Society President) and Marwa Elbasheer (GCR Black Students Co-representative and Black Students’ Society Charity Lead) report from the evening

Senior Tutor Dr Alison Stenton, warmly welcomed attendees and acknowledged the speakers, Professor Caesar Atuire, Professor Shirley Thompson, and Miss Isatou Bokum. She introduced the central theme, ‘Supporting the Black Community to Thrive’ and highlighted the event’s significance as a commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable college environment while reiterating the college’s dedication to fostering diversity and equality and inviting active participation in discussions. In her speech, Dr Stenton also launched the first Black Students’ Journal, emphasising its role in promoting diversity and inclusivity within Green Templeton College.

Professor Shirley J. Thompson’s talk

Professor Thompson is a globally celebrated British composer, conductor, and cultural activist renowned for her captivating music. Her distinguished career encompasses ground-breaking achievements, including being the first woman in Europe to compose and conduct a symphony in 40 years, a remarkable feat exemplified by her work with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, ‘New Nation Rising, A 21st Century Symphony’. Professor Thompson has become a known figure in contemporary music, composing for various media, from TV to film, dance, and opera. Her compositions graced royal events and international stages. In addition, she holds an academic position as a Reader in Composition and Performance at the University of Westminster and plays vital roles in numerous arts institutions. She was listed in the Evening Standard’s ‘Power List’ as one of Britain’s most influential Black individuals.

Professor Thompson’s talk delved into her journey in a discipline that often emphasised individual greatness and exclusivity. Her passion lay in connecting her work with the community, even learning to do it herself. She acknowledged the changing landscape toward a more outward-facing approach, with community-centric platforms like churches and weddings at its heart. Her academic journey, including graduate and post-graduate degrees, reflected her deep interest in music from diverse cultures and a strong commitment to inclusivity.

An illustrative example of her dedication to addressing social injustices was her thesis, which focused on the racial profiling of young men of African heritage in the streets of England. This unique approach to music drew skepticism from her Professor, who warned her of challenges in the music industry. Undeterred, Professor Thompson continued her work, composing pieces like the one that celebrated Morris Bishop’s economic programs in the Caribbean. Her compositions boldly addressed social injustices, which was uncommon in classical music then. She also created a powerful composition commemorating slavery and the humanity crimes committed during that era, including imagery, such as the image of the woman who refused to dance on the enslavers’ ship. Her work served as a catalyst for other artists, inspiring them to engage with important societal issues. Professor Thompson’s journey is a testament to her commitment to inclusivity and her use of music to raise awareness and foster dialogue on vital social issues.

Miss Isatou M. Bokum’s talk

Miss Bokum is an accomplished media professional hailing from The Gambia and is currently the President of the Oxford Africa Society, a prominent society dedicated to all aspects of Africa. She holds Journalism and Media Theory degrees and is recognised as a distinguished Mandela Rhodes Scholar alumna. Additionally, she is pursuing a Women’s Gender and Sexuality master’s program at Oxford, where she aspires to contribute to shaping policies that benefit African women and girls.

During her talk, Miss Bokum shared insights into her remarkable journey as a young woman navigating the challenging terrain of journalism. In her professional career, she has come to realise that she could drive positive change and empower women and girls. This realisation led to her founding the Girls Talk Organization, a platform that advocates for girls’ rights, focusing on education and reproductive health.

Her talk emphasised the importance of recognising one’s ability to make change and champion the rights of marginalised groups, particularly in education and healthcare. Her commitment to empowering women and girls through her organisation is an inspiring example of dedicated individuals’ impact in shaping a better future for their communities. Her journey and advocacy highlight the significance of amplifying the voices of women and girls, particularly in the African context.

Professor Caesar Atuire’s talk

Professor Caesar is a distinguished Ghanaian philosopher and health ethicist and holds several key positions, including leading the MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine ethics program at the University of Oxford. He is an Associate Professor at the University of Ghana and an affiliate at the University of Washington. His extensive work covers a spectrum of domains, from global health ethics to mental healthcare and policy development. Furthermore, Professor Atuire actively participates in international bioethics committees and oversees an NGO dedicated to healthcare and migrant reintegration in rural areas of Ghana.

During his talk, Professor Atuire addressed the need for unity among black people and explored the challenge of elite institutions fostering inclusivity without generating tension. He discussed historical lessons, emphasising how elites have transitioned from being colonised to becoming agents for colonisers.

Professor Atuire encouraged introspection, urging black individuals to consider what might be missing from their educational and professional training and to identify to whom they are accountable. Drawing from Audre Lorde’s wisdom, he stressed that change cannot be achieved using the same tools that created the problems. In the context of Oxford, he presented the idea that coming to the institution is not merely an arrival but a challenge to transcend the existing system. He called for a critical examination of the academic disciplines studied and the identification of barriers that lead to exclusion. Professor Atuire reminded students of their merit by dismissing imposter syndrome, highlighting that they had fought their way to Oxford. He emphasised that they are future leaders, accountable to those outside the university, and urged them to continue learning and listening to others to address epistemic injustice. Professor Atuire advocated for a calm yet engaging approach to push against the barriers of imperialisation and encouraged students to master the skills and tools required for meaningful change.

Conclusion

Following the enlightening talks, participants engaged in a dynamic discussion, exploring strategies for curriculum change, tackling systemic oppression, and promoting equal opportunities. The event concluded with a gathering over drinks, fostering a renewed sense of hope and a shared commitment to becoming agents of change, ensuring the thriving of our black community, not only within the confines of Oxford but extending our impact beyond the university.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Iris Mae Morse, MacKenzie Isaac, and Leena Elhussein for their invaluable contributions to the organisation of this event. Our gratitude also goes to the college and its donors for their tremendous financial and moral support, which continues to be instrumental in our endeavours.