“It has been a marvellous year; we have much to be proud of for what we achieved in 2019 and we are excited about plans for 2020”, said BBA Founder Dr Deborah Gabriel.
Speaking as the Black British Academics network signed off for the Xmas break, Dr Gabriel said “we would like to wish everyone an enjoyable time over the Xmas holiday, and to say a special thank you to the Black British Academics community, to those who have collaborated with us and to those who endeavour to support the work we do to enhance racial equality in higher education and the wider society.”
Dr Gabriel extended gratitude to Dr Josephine Kwhali, who is stepping down from her role as a Patron, following her retirement from academia: “Josephine has made an enormous contribution to tackling racism in social work education and practice over the past few decades and I am pleased that this is reflected in her chapters in both the Ivory Tower volumes. ”
Two new Patrons have joined the Black British Academics Network: Professor Robbie Shilliam, who is based at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, and Professor William Lez Henry, who is based at the University of West London. Black British Academics’ achievements in 2019 include:
- Launching the student component of the 3D Pedagogy Framework BASE in January
- Launching the Health, Wellbeing and Happiness project in April
- Disseminating the Ivory Tower research in the USA through a radio show and seminar in Texas, in August
- Completing the manuscript for Transforming the Ivory Tower in November
- Participating in UUK’s Advisory Group on Racial Harassment of Staff and Students in higher education
- Successfully registering its trademark with the Intellectual Property Office in December.
Looking ahead to 2020, Dr Gabriel said: “We are truly a global network and will continue to work pro-actively and collaboratively, both on challenging racial inequality and on delivering strategic solutions that build equity and aim to address gaps and disparities.” BBA’s scheduled plans for 2020 include:
- Launching the UK Parliament Knowledge Exchange Project in March
- Hosting the 2nd Health, Wellbeing and Happiness annual event in April
- Working in collaboration with Michigan University and University of Texas, USA, and Federal University Minas Gerais in Brazil in May
- Hosting the VIP launch for Transforming the Ivory Tower in June
- Working with HEIs on enhancing education practice through the 3D Pedagogy Framework
Dr Gabriel said: “We are glad for the opportunity for rest and relaxation over the Xmas holiday after such a busy year, but also look forward to executing all that we have planned for 2020.”
