Black Students’ Society Journal

Edited collection published for Black History Month 2023.

Read as PDF: Black Students’ Society Journal 2023
Read as lower resolution PDF: Black Students’ Society Journal 2023

‘I value home, family, and community life. I find myself privileged in many ways and aspire to make life beautiful for others’. Josephine Agyeman-Duah

Editor-in-Chief Marwa M A Elbasheer writes

Dear Readers,

In the Black Students’ Society, we strive to engage in honest and open dialogue and create a space where we can – with others- celebrate our diversity, uniqueness, unity, and the fact that we are different yet equal. As the Society enters its fourth year since its foundation in 2020, we acknowledge the importance of sharing the untold stories of our members who have contributed to our community, the college and Oxford. We hope that by passing the candle, we make their voices heard and that the new generations of Black students can find a home to belong to, thrive and grow. Hence, with immense pride and enthusiasm, we present the inaugural issue of our Black Students’ Society journal, illuminating the multifaceted essence of our Society and addressing several vital themes.

Firstly, we accompany you on a journey into the origins and mission of our Society, tracing its growth and progress. We then explore the importance of valuing blackness and advocating for acknowledging and celebrating our unique identities. Additionally, we proudly showcase an accomplished alumnus who has secured a position with the United Nations, serving as a source of inspiration for our current members.

Our diverse community members’ personal experiences, stories and narratives add depth and authenticity to our pages. We conclude with three articles that examine the critical role of leadership and how it fosters engagement with our wider community.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Green Templeton College for their invaluable financial and moral support, making this journal possible.

Special thanks are due to our exceptional editorial team – Gloria, Taiwo, and Islam – for their unwavering dedication to bringing these voices to life.

We hope this journal resonates with you in the spirit of unity, celebration, and empowerment that can inspire meaningful conversations and foster a deeper sense of community.

Sincerely,

Marwa M A Elbasheer

Contents

About the Society

Black Students’ Society history by Josephine N A Agyeman-Duah (DPhil Women’s and Reproductive Health, 2018)

Black Students’ Society progress by Gloria Ngaiza (DPhil Clinical Medicine, 2021)

Valuing blackness

The Many Souls of Alain by Kenzie Isaac (MSc Modelling for Global Health, 2022)

Of Afro-Pop and Jollof, Baobab Trees and Spires by Makafui Tunde Adebayo (MSc International Health and Tropical Medicine, 2021)

Alumni highlight

Working for the United Nations by Kelly Ann Fonderson (MPhil Development Studies, 2019)

Personal experiences

Navigating dual realities: Studying at Oxford amidst Sudan’s war by Marwa M A Elbasheer (DPhil Population Health, 2020)

Navigating Studies with a family in Oxford by Adebisi Adenipekun (Master of Public Policy, 2022)

Black writers: personal experience by Taiwo Olawole (Master of Public Policy, 2022)

My six months at Oxford by Laida Kaoma Chongo (Visiting Fellow, Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, 2022 to 2023)

Leadership and engaging community

University leadership as a Sabbatical Officer by Kennedy Aliu (MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration, 2022)

Does student leadership matter? by Acheampong Atta-Boateng (DPhil Geography and the Environment, 2018)

My experience as a Junior Dean by Brendon Tankwa (DPhil Geography and the Environment, 2022)