I was honoured to take part in the LJMU Leaders Reciprocal Mentoring Project and to work with Vice Chancellor Joe Yates. We learned so much from each other and continue our working relationship. An amazing project that is achieving real change. Great to see the university demonstrating its commitment to ED&I.
At the finale of the project, we had some fantastic open and honest conversations about the experiences of the Black community and some of the challenges and exclusions still being faced. We have had a really productive partnership and intend to continue working together.
It was wonderful to meet up again with the other amazing Black Leaders who took part in this programme which I’m sure has yielded many connections, conversations, learnings and of course, friendships! Thank you to Liverpool John Moores University for being brave enough to embark upon such a pioneering project, which will ultimately benefit the university and the black community in the future.
It was wonderful to hear the key note speech by Professor David Olusoga OBE who talked about the history of Black people in the UK and the legacy of Slavery that still remains to this day in attitudes and behaviours and disproportionality in all of our services from the health service, education, housing and criminal justice as well as employment. A really powerful talk!
Other wonderful leaders in attendance: Garth Dallas, Simone Roche MBE, Shazney Spence, Ngunan Adamu, Aby Ndiaye, Monica Mwanje, Tracey Gore, Joanne Anderson, Kim Johnson
