As Black History Month 2025 begins, I am honoured to reflect on this year’s theme “Standing Firm in Power and Pride” in my role as our University’s Race Equality Charter (REC) Lead. This is both a professional responsibility and a deeply personal journey, rooted in my own lived experience and commitment to equity in higher education.
As someone with Black heritage in Britain, I feel pride in my roots because they remind me of resilience, creativity and community. These values have sustained generations before me and continue to shape the contribution of Black people across society. I take inspiration from those who had the courage to change the world positively, whose determination to challenge barriers opened doors for others to walk through. Their legacy reminds us that progress comes not from silence, but from steadfast voices that insist on change.
My role models over the years have been leaders, thinkers and everyday changemakers who embody this spirit. From pioneering figures in academics, entrepreneurs and cultural icons in Britain today, each has shown that Black excellence is not confined to history books but is alive, visible and flourishing around us. At Bath, I see this excellence in our students, colleagues and communities, whose achievements, ideas and leadership inspire us all to aim higher.
The REC Bronze award recently conferred on our University is one step in our journey to embed race equality into the heart of our institution. It reflects not just compliance, but a collective commitment to cultural change that celebrates diversity, challenges inequality and strengthens belonging. In my role as REC Lead, I am proud to support this work, but prouder still of the senior management, colleagues and students who make this vision real.
Looking ahead, I believe our task is to ensure that this pride translates into action. Black History Month is not only a time to celebrate excellence, but also a call to strengthen our resolve to build an inclusive future. A future where every member of our community feels seen, valued and empowered to thrive.
Standing firm in power and pride means recognising how far we have come, but also how much more there is to do. It is a responsibility I carry with both gratitude and determination.
Dr Teslim Bukoye
Race Equality Charter Lead
University of Bath
View the programme for Black History Month 2025 at the University of Bath
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