First in-person gathering for Black, Asian and Racially Minoritised Student Collective

The schedule of inspirational esteemed speakers included City of Salford’s Poet ‘J’, Salford City Councillor Wilson Nkurunziza (University of Salford alumni), Rwanda testimonies by Mrs Munganyinka Simugomwa, Professor Bhuvana Bibleraaj from the School of Health and Society, David Junior Gilbert (Salford PhD student) and Dr Suryia Nayak, Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the School of Health and Society.

With 300 members, the School of Health and Society’s Black, Asian and Racially Minoritised Student Collective is the largest, most diverse student support group in the UK higher education sector. It is a model of best practice in anti-racist action to empower students impacted by intersectional racism in their lives. This model of collective empowerment is attracting local, regional, and national interest from external industry stakeholders.

The collective is held through two mantras: ‘Together we are stronger’ and ‘Silence will not protect’, which enable our Black, Asian and racially minoritised students to have a real sense of belonging and confidence to speak out – key factors for equity of inclusion. 

The Collective was established in June 2020 after the murder of George Floyd and in recognition of Black Lives Matter. The Collective meets online every Thursday, providing a safe welcoming space for Black, Asian and racially minoritised students to share strategies for success, overcoming challenges and staying strong and focused. 

The success of the School of Health and Society’s Black, Asian and Racially Minoritised Student Collective rests on the following elements:

1. Consistency, reliability, regular rhythm
2. Solidarity and connection
3. Testimony and witness
4. Focus: Our Mantras
5. Internal/external interface
6. Lived experience evidence base

Dr Suryia Nayak, Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Integrated Practice and Equality and Diversity Lead for the School of Health and Society said, "'I would like to express my thanks to Patience Undonsi, Maxine Hamiliton Bell, India Amoz and Johana Hammad who worked tirelessly to make the event a success and for the continued success of the Collective."

For more information about the Collective, please contact Dr Suryia Nayak (s.nayak@salford.ac.uk)