what is black is power?

Celebrating Black History Month by highlighting success of black students from the University of east anglia community. Our portraits feature students in leadership positions both inside and outside our community 

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Do you know someone who should be featured here? Let us know by nominating them for the Black is Power exhibition.

black is power exhibition

• Miles Oke
• Koshesai Fundira
• Aimee Ibarra
• Mwitumwa Mukelabai
• Joshua Oppong
• Aaron Campbell
• Benjamin Joseph-Ebare
• Ashley Hickson-Lovence
• Fiona Igwe

What is your name?

My name is Miles Oke.

What is your course at UEA?

I’m studying Pharmacology and Drug Discovery graduating in 2021.

What roles are you involved in while at University?

I’m currently a BAME Ambassador for the School of Pharmacy.

What’s something that you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of?

Growing a lot personally from when I first came to UEA till now has made me proud of the person that I’m becoming. I’ve experienced a lot of different things and managed to learn a lesson from each occasion while also making friends for life.

Who inspires you?

My parents have and continue to inspire me; the values of hard work, consistency and keeping true to yourself that they’ve instilled in me allow me to keep working towards what I want even when things seem hard.

Lebron James is another person that inspires me – ever since he was in high school before he had even entered the NBA he’s had immense pressure and expectations put upon himself and he’s done nothing short of live up to all of it. From when he first entered the NBA at the age of 18 to now being 35 he’s shown everyone watching him 17 years of continued excellence and greatness through hard work, consistency and keeping true to himself. Winning his 4th NBA Championship this year is proof of all of this.

Do you have a quote that has helped or motivated you or one that you stand by?

“Strive for greatness.” – Lebron James

“Limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” – Michael Jordan

Why do you think Black history month is important?

Calling attention to black history is important, not only to show off black excellence worldwide but also learn more about ourselves, our culture, our past and what that means for us today. That doesn’t mean constantly talking about slavery as I’m sure we’re all accustomed to hearing. It can also mean talking about the kingdoms and history of Africa, the spread of African and black culture globally and celebrating black people speaking up against inequality and bettering their own communities. It should be year-long so we’re always appreciating each other.

Did you face any challenges at university? And if so, how did you overcome them?

When I first came to UEA I found difficulty trying to fit in, coming from south London I was used to seeing a lot of black people and other POC and finding familiarity and comfort with them but that wasn’t so easy when I came here. I managed to find a great group of friends that I can call friends that keep me grounded as well as ACS which helped me to overcome the uncomfortable feelings I had when I first came here and now I feel much more at home in Norwich and at UEA.

What is your name?

Hello! My name is Koshesai Fundira.

What is your course at UEA?

I am a Final Year *cries in relief* International Development with Economics (with a Study Year Abroad) student, due to graduate in 2021.

What roles are you involved in while at University?

In my 1st year, I somehow managed to end up being the 1st year rep for the African and Caribbean Society (ACS). This then set me up nicely to be an official committee member in my 2nd year, taking on one of the two Events Officer Roles. Also, in my 2nd year, having worked for Nando's for a couple of years prior, I became one of the 10 Student Brand Reps for Nando's across the UK, which essentially involved being the eyes and ears for Nando's on UEA's campus and bringing students loads and loads of Nando's freebies. I was also (2nd year was a hectic year!) the Communications Officer for Compass, which is a Christian based campus society, that has its focus on bringing random acts of kindness to the UEA campus through things such as handing out roses on Valentine's Day, as well as preparing and distributing homeless care packages within the Norwich City Centre. I now work on campus as a Student Ambassador as well as a Study Abroad Ambassador having gone to study abroad in my 3rd Year.

What’s something that you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of?

Starting my own YouTube Channel in 1st year. I will be honest in saying that UEA wasn't my first choice, and I chose to come here very late in the game. When looking to see what it was like, I couldn't find a lot of videos on YouTube, so I wanted to change that. I also wanted to show potential Black students, like myself, that UEA does have a strong Black presence that is growing, and therefore that the "home of the wonderful" is university they can consider with confidence. I also wanted to just use the channel for general uni advice, and a place to document whatever cool and exciting things that go on in my life.

I was also one of the first students at UEA to every study abroad at an African institution. Normally people go to the likes of America and Asia for their study abroad, which is absolutely fine, but I built up the courage and went against the tide and chose to go and study in Ghana. Now as a Study Abroad Ambassador, I am able to encourage people to do the same.

More recently, I launched my own baking business @kakedbykoshesai, that makes bespoke cakes and cupcakes to order (on Facebook and Instagram so you better go and give a girl a follow!). In 2020, the new decade that promised us good vibes, has turned out to be the exact opposite. So starting my business within an entire global pandemic and consequently within an entire lockdown is something I am really proud of. I could have been crippled by fear, which admittedly I was in the beginning, but in realising that life is so fickle, the world isn't free to live in and that talent shouldn't be wasted; I bit the bullet and alas here I am alive to tell the tale. I'm still learning a lot, about being a Black businesswoman, but the journey so far has been incredibly rewarding. So, if you need cakes, or cupcakes for any occasion, or even if you just fancy some cake, I am your girl, tell a friend to tell a friend!

Who inspires you?

My mother. I don't even know how to put into words how incredible I think she is, which makes showing her even harder, but she is phenomenal and definitely my biggest cheerleader. I also have a big family, with some serious hustlers. Being surrounded by greatness, also really helps to ground me in terms of just pushing forwards, doing what I do and striving to be the best version of myself.

Do you have a quote that has helped or motivated you or one that you stand by?

"Never doubt that a group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead.

This quote reminds me to never underestimate my influence. Being committed in the small things, small acts of kindness, a small smile here and there, I am doing my bit to change the world in one way or another, hopefully to be a better place in times where there is so much tragedy.

Why do you think Black history month is important?

Because Black History is important. In the same way Western History is important. There shouldn't be a hierarchy. We mustn't forget the impact the lives of Black People have also had on the world we live today. No, that's not only about slavery and colonisation, it's also about things such as the invention of the 3-light traffic light by Garrett Morgan in 1923 or automatic lift doors by Alexander Miles in 1887. Black History month is a time for us to celebrate the successes of Black people that are overlooked on a daily basis.

Did you face any challenges at university? And if so, how did you overcome them?

I guess on my course, having to hear people who have an experience of researching in Africa coming to give the entire overview of the continent is difficult. Often intentions are pure and no harm is intentional at all, but sitting in lectures with those who have no experience of Africa and knowing that whatever they hear in that room will form a basis of impressions already formed at the hands of things like the media, has been challenging. I think to overcome this, I've had to talk more during lectures and seminars, to reassure people that although xyz exists, Africa is still a continent of beauty and functionality, but of course with its own issues like anywhere else in the world. Making a true effort to let people know that Black people aren't responsible for Africa's failures and that perfection is intangible.

**Shameless Plug?**

• Watch/Like/Share/Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
• Follow @kakedbykoshesai on Instagram
• Like & Follow @kakedbykoshesai on Facebook
• @ohmykoshesai on Instagram

What is your name?

My name is Aimee Ibarra.

What is your course at UEA?

I’m a third-year undergraduate studying English Literature with Creative Writing

What roles are you involved in while at University?

This is my second year being one of the BAME Ambassadors for LDC. I was also the Events Officer for Womanist Society last year.

What’s something that you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of?

I held a workshop for LDC staff on decolonising their teaching and the classroom with Erica, the other BAME Ambassador, last year. We created and lead the workshop ourselves and 18 members of staff attended.

Who inspires you?

As an aspiring writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Isabel Allende inspire me. They tackle issues of social justice in different parts of the world in their daily lives and through their writing, which I hope to do myself one day.

Do you have a quote that has helped or motivated you or one that you stand by?

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker.

Why do you think Black history month is important?

It’s important to address and celebrate the lives and achievements of black people through Black History Month because mainstream media and history never have. Through BHM, we can shine the spotlight on our history and celebrate being black while raising awareness of struggles black communities have faced and still face to this day.

Did you face any challenges at university? And if so, how did you overcome them?

Being a black literature student in a predominantly white school with a very white curriculum has been quite isolating at times. It deeply frustrated me that there were only a few token POC texts per module and that mandatory pre-1789 modules were exclusively white and European. That’s why I applied for the role of BAME Ambassador when the scheme was introduced, and since I got the role, I’ve been working to diversify our curriculum and make LDC a more inclusive place for non-white students.

What is your name?

Mwitumwa Mukelabai but everyone calls me Tutu.

What roles are you involved in while at University?

I have been treasurer of womanist society for 2 years now and I have a radio show on Livewire 1350.

What’s something that you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of?

When I think of my younger self or even who I was just before university I know that that version of me would be impressed by who i am today.

Who inspires you?

My friends inspire me so much I have learnt so much from them. I tend to find anyone that is living an honest authentic life with a kind heart inspiring but if I was to name someone it would be Leomie Anderson.

Do you have a quote that has helped or motivated you or one that you stand by?

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

Why do you think Black history month is important?

Black history in my experience was never taught to me within an institution. I think we have so much to learn from the past to ensure we are doing better and growing rather than letting history repeat itself.

Did you face any challenges at university? And if so, how did you overcome them?

I cannot think of anything in particular but there has been many, personal and academic. I always look to my support system and ask for help, it takes a village.

What is your name?

My name is Joshua Oppong.

What is your course at UEA?

I study Computer Graphics, imaging and multimedia - with a foundation. I’m in Year 2.

What roles are you involved in while at University?

In my first year I was the catering officer for the African Caribbean society (ACS).

I also took part in discussions for eradicate hate campaign hate. Took part in planning and hosting the first ever ACS Take me out.

The following year I was on committee as secretary and publicity officer for Radical Youth, which is a student led Christian fellowship on campus.

What’s something that you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of?

I started a catering business in Norwich called ÉL Drippo’s Kitchen (@eldripposkitchen across all socials). Through this I have successfully linked up with a bunch of societies for their events and delivered wings people crave for. I have competed in athletics competitions. I have also performed at some famous theatres and concerts halls in London.

Who inspires you?

My Dad, Mum, my sister and brother, their consistent hard work in whatever they do has rubbed off on me. This going to sound weird but Missy Elliott - she is very creative and innovative. I would like to think that I am a creative, and an innovator and she simply inspires me not to be like others but to stand out in whatever you do.

Do you have a quote that has helped or motivated you or one that you stand by?

“You’re so busy doubting yourself while so many are intimidated by your success” & Philippians 4:6-7; when dealing with doubt these are my go to.

Why do you think Black history month is important?

Black history is important because it’s a great time to celebrate black peoples success, great time to educate on the history of black people, recognise those who are making changes in our community and in the world. And it should be all year round.

Did you face any challenges at university? And if so, how did you overcome them?

My main challenges at university has been time management and self doubt. Those both, have eaten up my time and I refuse to let them continue. I do my best to plan my week fully before it’s started, so I’m prepared for what I’m about to face. This going well so far some off days here and there but I’m human. For self doubt it’s hard, I talk myself out of a lot of opportunities so I pray a lot to help and just reassure myself that the most you can get from failing is a lesson.

**Shameless plug**

@eldripposkitchen - Instagram/Facebook/Pinterest/TikTok.

_____josh (five underscores) - Instagram.

What is your name?

Aaron Campbell

What is your course at UEA?

Computing and Graphic Design graduating in 2021.

What roles are you involved in while at University?

• ACS - ethnic and diversity officer
• Pride Soc - VP POC
• Urban Female Movement - Equality and diversity officer
• Basketball - Social Secretary

What’s something that you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of?

I'm proud of...

• being a founding member of the eradicate hate campaign
• Being part of queer prom and hosting it
• Being a host of go global
• My 28 days of pride and Black Excellence photo projects
• Speaking out and calling attention to BLM within the university (i.e. the first letter I wrote, speaking at the protest etc.)
• Being the first openly queer men's basketball team member
• Being a part of the Society alive charity helping with meal distribution and teaching young kids
• being a part of the team involved in the signing of the equality charter
• Running BAME POC workshops, talks and safe spaces
• Being part of the Urban Female Movement, ACS, Basketball and Pride committees

Who inspires you?

Frank Ocean and Tyler the Creator inspire me

Do you have a quote that has helped or motivated you or one that you stand by?

"change is inevitable progress is optional" - John C Maxwell

Or

"Baanu so a emmia" (When two carry, it does not hurt.)

Why do you think Black history month is important?

So before my final year of college I did not know that Black history month even existed and I think that speaks to the fact that even now black people as community are made to feel like second class citizens and the fact is we have been deprived of knowing all of this rich history that we have. I think black history month is important because it speaks to all the amazing, powerful, era defining, history altering action that has taken place within the black community, it shows how we have helped define and shape modern culture as we know it. Its important because it allows us to learn and celebrate this history, where as in modern education this knowledge is not always easily accessible. (Just know I could have written so much more lol)

Did you face any challenges at university? And if so, how did you overcome them?

Ok so challenges I have faced included...

- coming out, dealing with racism and homophobia on campus, losing the leadership election this year and almost failing my my degree last year.

I overcame these thanks to great friends who supported me.

What is your name?

My name is Benjamin Joseph-Ebare.

What is your course at UEA?

I study Computer Science and I graduate in 2022.

What roles are you involved in while at University?

The main role I belonged to was the President of the African & Caribbean Society.

What’s something that you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of?

Creating a business in the entertainment industry that customers enjoy and derive value from it.

Who inspires you?

Steve Jobs, Reece Wabara (founder and owner of MDV), my older Sister, Malcolm X to name a few.

Do you have a quote that has helped or motivated you or one that you stand by?

"As a man thinketh so is he"

Why do you think Black history month is important?

BHM is important to appreciate the work black activists put in to wake us up to what's important & shows us examples of what black people do when we stick together.

Did you face any challenges at university? And if so, how did you overcome them?

The main challenge I have is balancing my life outside university with university itself, I am not fully balanced at this yet but what has helped me significantly is having a journal/diary which I write what I need to accomplish before I sleep. I do this the night before and sometimes the week before.

What is your name?

My name is Ashley Hickson-Lovence.

What is your course at UEA?

I’m a current PhD student in Creative and Critical Writing. I officially started my research in 2018 and hope to be all done by 2022 at the latest.

What roles were you involved in while at University?

As well as working towards my thesis, I have done some associate tutoring on two undergraduate LDC modules, various bits of outreach work with local schools, The Brilliant Club, First Story etc. Last year, I was also involved in presenting alongside Jumara Begum at UEA’s Postgraduate Education conference which was an illuminating experience.

What’s something that you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of?

Thinking about it, I suppose I’m proud that I’ve managed to do quite a lot in my relatively short time at UEA. Since starting my PhD in 2018 here, my debut novel The 392 has been published in hardback and paperback; I have written my second novel Your Show (as part of my PhD) which has already been snapped up and will be published in spring 2022; taught LDC undergraduates; worked with The Brilliant Club and First Story; ran a marathon and still observe football referees for the FA most Saturdays. I’m lucky to have two very supportive supervisors who have always kept me on track.

Who inspires you?

Hard-working resilient go-getters. My family. My partner. My two supervisors: Prof. Andrew Cowan and Prof. Alison Donnell. Uriah Rennie. My tattooist (ha!). Writers Sam Selvon and Zadie Smith. Many people on my course. Teachers. Lots of people!

Do you have a quote that has helped or motivated you or one that you stand by?

“…just go on your nerve” - Frank O’Hara )

Why do you think Black history month is important?

For too long Black people have been pigeonholed, underappreciated or dangerously stereotyped. The murder of George Floyd by a police officer in America earlier this year, also belatedly highlighted the inequality that exists right here in the UK. It’s time to learn from the mistakes of the past and offer more opportunities for Black people like myself to share our stories and rich heritage, not just during Black History Month, but all year round.

Did you face any challenges at university? And if so, how did you overcome them?

As a Black person, I’ve found that you often have to work harder to prove yourself to people initially. However, for most part, I feel that UEA has been incredibly supportive and forward-thinking in its attempts to foster an inclusive and diverse university community that is representative of wider society. Due to UEA’s location tucked away right in the corner of England, the campus and the city of Norwich as a whole, probably isn’t as diverse as it has the potential to be. There are a growing number of passionate people, panels and groups for both existing and future BAME students to come together and be a part of.

What is your name?

My name is Ms. Fiona Igwe.

What was your course at UEA?

BSc Biological Sciences (graduated 2019)

What roles were you involved in while at University?

• UEA Links - St John’s Ambulance First Aider 2016-2019
• Entrepreneurship Society Secretary 2017-2019
• Catholic Society – Equality and Diversity Officer 2018-2019
• Leader of Decolonise UEA Campaign 2018 – 2019
• Founder of Eradicate Hate Campaign

What’s something that you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of?

Even on the most challenging days, I get up every morning, I pray and I do something that is part of my purpose.

Who inspires you?

Jesus Christ.

Do you have a quote that has helped or motivated you or one that you stand by?

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Why do you think Black history month is important?

Black History cannot be and should not be shoved and condensed into one month. Most of the things, characters, and art that we enjoy have stemmed from black histories such as rock, jazz, African braids, traffic lights, and even Betty Boop.

Did you face any challenges at university? And if so, how did you overcome them?

I faced many challenges at university. Did I overcome all of them? No, however, I was able to get through most. It’s imperative to have a good and genuine support system that you can openly communicate with when you face these giants. I learned to prioritise my health first and make time for things and people that made me happy.