Overview
The Black Advisory Hub hosted the second annual First-Year Induction programme for incoming Black students to the University in two events over October and September of 2022, in preparation for the 2022-2023 academic year. This programme was designed in response to student consultation with the BAH student teams and the Access & Participation Plan Participatory Action Research student researchers, who noted that incoming Black students would value an opportunity to network and be informed about Cambridge resources and support services before they arrive at the University. This induction was open to all incoming Black-identifying students, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, domestic or international. In order to empower incoming Black students to share their hopes, anxieties and questions for their upcoming degree, these induction days are for Black-identifying Cambridge University students exclusively; if you have any questions at all about your participation in these or future events, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the BAH team at: contact@blackadvisory.hub.cam.ac.uk.
This year, the programme involved two events:
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Pre-arrival online meeting: Thursday 15 September 1-5pm, which was two weeks before term starts. This event involved an overview of current resources, introductions to a variety of student services by current staff and students, as well as break-out discussion opportunities to ask questions about extra-curricula opportunities with current students.
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Afternoon tea & chat: Friday 14 October 3-5pm. This second event was an opportunity to meet each other in person over tea and cakes, share initial experiences of Colleges and courses, and pick up some further tips about Cambridge events, opportunities and networks.
For a summary of the two events, including photographs and feedback - please click here.
The programme was co-designed by Zeena Elhassan (BAH Project Associate) and a group of current students, who acted as facilitators for the break-out session discussions and activities:
Student facilitators for 2022 FYI events
Subomi Ade-Alamu
Undergraduate student (HSPS, Kings College)
Hey guys! My name is Subomi, I am a second-year studying HSPS (Human, Social and Political Sciences) at King’s College and I’m a Nigerian from Essex. I love reading, theatre, tv shows, music and I’m involved in Cambridge Theatre. I am also part of my college JCR as Coordinator. A ‘fun’ fact about me is that my favourite film of all time is Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, which is undeniably a classic!
Tyra Amofah-Akardom
Postgraduate student (PhD in Education, Fitzwilliam College)
My name is Tyra, and I’m an incoming PhD student in Education. I have just completed my MPhil in Education (Knowledge, Power, and Politics) at Fitzwilliam College, where I also did my undergraduate degree in Education (Policy and International Development). My research focuses on Black Feminism in 'elite' British and American university spaces. Understanding universities as colonial cities that become battlegrounds for the nation-state, I explore how Black female student activists use love as their weapon of choice in political action.
My research is very closely associated with what I do with my spare time at Cambridge. Over the last few years, I have had the pleasure of exploring the experiences of Black students at Cambridge through the Black Advisory Hub, for which I am the student co-chair and the Black Cantabs Research Society, for which I am the incoming president. Outside of Cambridge-associated things, I spend most of my time reading, listening to music, and having fun with the people I love.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Cambridge! Whatever feelings you have about starting here are so valid. But I hope this event helps clarify things and get you excited for this new journey!
Esther Anthony-Ajilieye
Undergraduate student (Land Economy, Jesus College)
Hey everyone! My name’s Esther and I’m about to enter my 2nd year studying Land Economy at Jesus College.
I live in Kent, but I’m originally from Nigeria (more specifically, I’m Yoruba)! I’ve really discovered a love for access and outreach, and so you might often find me in a meeting, sitting on a Q&A panel or working on some sort of project. I also love to read, lift weights, and spend time with my friends and family! Fun fact: I took both English Lit and Maths during my A-Levels!
Abby Berhane
Postgradaute student (PhD, Christ's College)
I am a 3rd year PhD student at the Whittle Laboratory, and member of Christ’s College. My PhD is part of a Centre for Doctoral Training, CDT, programme in Future Propulsion and Power. This comprises of a one year Masters of Research, MRes, and three year PhD. Prior to my MRes, I studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sussex. My doctoral research is in collaboration with Rolls Royce and investigates the impact of surface topography (roughness) on the aerodynamic performance of aeroengine turbine blades. This research will have an impact on all aspects, from design and development to life-cycle management, of a gas turbine. When I am not in the lab doing experiments, I am most likely indulging in my hobbies which are music, fashion and hanging out with friends.
Olivia Grant-Bryson
Undergraduate student (Theology, Trinity Hall)
Hi! I'm Olivia Grant-Bryson a current second year student at Trinity Hall. I am studying Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion with the hopes of doing a law conversion during my post graduate studies. I am from Birmingham, UK however, my family originated in Jamaica and Barbados and we have visited a couple of times, although I would definitely like to go more often in the future. I really enjoy drama although I haven’t really had a chance yet to explore what Cambridge has to offer in this department yet but would like to this year. I also really enjoy reading and am currently loving psychological thrillers, if I’m not reading you will most likely find me playing with my dog Otis-Quinn!
Stanley Onyemechalu
Postgraduate student (PhD in Archaelogy, King's College)
I am a Gates Cambridge Scholar, studying a PhD in Archaeology at King’s College, University of Cambridge. My research explores the complex relationship between cultural heritage and the legacies of violent conflicts in the context of the ‘Biafra war’. I am the current Book Reviews Editor for the Archaeological Review from Cambridge (ARC) journal and have a Lectureship in Archaeology and Heritage Studies with the University of Nigeria. I am Igbo from Nigeria, and I love food and football. I also enjoy travelling and video games.
Davelle Reid
Undergraduate student (Medicine, Emmanuel College)
I’m a third-year medical student from Nottingham! My Jamaican heritage is something that I’m extremely proud of and it plays a big part of my identity at Cambridge. I like to spend my free time cooking or listening to music; two things which remind me of home and my culture. After completing two successful years of medicine, I’ve decided to spend my third year at Cambridge studying Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion. I really enjoy exploring the intersection between medicine and other disciplines and so I’m really excited for the next academic year. Aside from my studies, I’m on a few boards and committees ranging from contributing to the ongoing medical and veterinary curriculum review to helping the Home Office reduce knife crime across the country. My Black identity is crucial to a lot of the work and activities that I do, and I am really happy to share that with my peers on their own journey.