Session 9: Beyond celebration: building inclusive community support and professional growth during Black History Month

Abstract

Session overview:

Black History Month is often marked by celebrations that highlight cultural heritage and historical achievements. However, to create lasting impact, there must be a focus on actionable initiatives that foster inclusive community support and professional development. This presentation explores strategies for embedding sustainable frameworks that empower Black students and professionals beyond the month of October. Drawing from real-world initiatives, including co-creation internships, focus groups, and career development workshops, this session will provide insights into meaningful engagement and long-term structural change. The session will also reference Advance HE guidance on the attainment gap of Black students and the Unite Students report Living Black at University to contextualise key challenges and solutions.

Introduction

Black History Month presents an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the achievements of Black individuals. However, the focus should extend beyond celebration to ensuring Black students and professionals receive continued support in their educational and career journeys. This session will discuss ways to establish year-round initiatives that address key challenges faced by Black students in higher education and employment, with a particular focus on research findings from Advance HE and Unite Students.

Case Studies and Practical Applications

The session will highlight successful case studies, such as:

• Black History Month Focus Groups: Engaging 30 students to capture lived experiences and inform institutional policies.
• Co-Creation Internships: Collaborating with Black and ethnic minority students to design and implement career development programmes.
• Networking and Mentorship Initiatives: Establishing mentorship schemes that connect students with professionals in various industries.

Conclusion

Building inclusive community support and professional growth for Black students requires intentionality, collaboration, and sustained commitment. By shifting from a celebratory lens to a framework of continuous empowerment, institutions and organisations can drive meaningful, long-term change. This session will provide practical strategies and recommendations to help educators, employers, and policymakers create environments that support Black success beyond Black History Month, with insights drawn from Advance HE and Living Black at University research.

Key learning points from this session:

Key Discussion Points

1. Inclusive Community Building:

Creating safe spaces for dialogue and mentoring.  Developing networks that foster belonging and collaboration.  Engaging Black students in co-creation and leadership roles.

1. Professional Development & Career Readiness:

Addressing the attainment gap and barriers to employment, as highlighted by Advance HE.  Implementing targeted career workshops and networking opportunities. Leveraging institutional resources to support Black students’ progression.

1. Sustainable Change and Institutional Commitment:

Embedding racial equity initiatives into university and workplace policies.  Partnering with organisations to provide long-term career pathways. Using data-driven approaches to measure and improve inclusivity efforts, informed by Living Black at University findings.

Beyond celebration: building inclusive community support and professional growth during Black History Month PowerPoint. Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource.