The Black PhD Experience
Stories of Strength, Courage and Wisdom in UK Academia
Edited by William Ackah, Jacqueline Darkwa, Wayne Mitchell, De-Shaine Murray and Madina Wane
Published
Sep 10, 2024Page count
160 pagesISBN
978-1447369981Dimensions
216 x 140 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Sep 10, 2024Page count
160 pagesISBN
978-1447369974Dimensions
216 x 140 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Sep 10, 2024Page count
160 pagesISBN
978-1447369998Dimensions
216 x 140 mmImprint
Policy Press
The Black PhD Experience
This unique book charts the journeys of Black doctoral students through UK higher education.
Using powerful firsthand accounts, the book details the experiences of Black PhD students. From application through to graduation and beyond, the book offers key insights into the workings of higher education, highlighting the structural barriers that impede progress. Challenges and recommendations are issued for the sector and wider community. This text is a witness to the tenacity and brilliance of Black students to achieve against the odds.
A game changer for the sector. Essential reading for anyone interested in equity and inclusion in higher education.
William Ackah is Senior Lecturer in Black and Community Geographies at Birkbeck, University of London.
Jacqueline Darkwa is a documentary filmmaker and science communicator.
Wayne A. Mitchell is Senior Teaching Fellow at Imperial College, London.
De-Shaine Murray is a Wu Tsai Institute Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale University.
Madina Wane is a research scientist working on vaccine development within the biotechnology industry and the co-founder of non-profit organisation, Black In Immuno.
Foreword - Jason Arday and Wayne A. Mitchell
Introduction: Black PhD Journeys in Context - William Ackah
Part 1: The ‘Weighted’, Waiting Game: Being Black and Applying To Do a PhD - Wayne Mitchell
1. Underrepresented and Undervalued - Sophie Martin
2. Climbing the Rough Side of the Mountain - Katty Wadda
3. What I Wish I Knew - Esther Osarfo-Mensah
4. The Long and Winding Road - Sigourney Bonner
5. Ignorance Is Not Bliss - Jason Amartey
6. Being One of the Few Amongst the Many - Nina H. Sweeney
7. Making the Garments Fit - Dwaynica Greaves
Part 2: Being Black Is Not an Optional Luxury! Struggles for Rights and Recognition in the White Academic Space - Madina Wane
8. Studying Whilst Black - Alanah Mortlock
9. Through, Around or Over the Gate? - Amira Samatar
10. Fighting the Power - Hanna Akalu
11. The Missing Ones
Part 3: For Us, by Us – Finding One Another Amidst the Storm - Jacqueline Darkwa
12. That Ain’t It, So We’ll Create It - De-Shaine Murray
13. Finding the Black Immunologists in a Pandemic - Madina Wane
14. In the Meantime: Creating Change Through Community - Paulette Williams
15. Networks, Networking and Finding My Place in the Academic Space - Deyl Djama
16. #BlackInTheIvory - Louisa Brotherson
17. Unravelling the Tapestry of Unspoken Rules - Mary Agyapong
18. Making Space for Black Voices and Black Visions - William Ackah
Part 4: Academic Support: The Right Thing, in the Right Place, at the Right Time – De-Shaine Murray
19. Reaching Beyond the Horizon - Simone Webb
20. In and Out of Prison - Angela Charles
21. Not in This Alone - Peggy Warren
22. When Seasons Change - Rees Johnson
23. Believing That the Impossible Is Possible - Clíona Kelly
Part 5: Reflections at the Completion of the PhD Journey - Madina Wane
24. What It Means To Be the First: My Journey From Windrush to PhD - Julia Morris –
25. Why the ‘P’ in PhD Stands for (Black) Power - April-Louise Pennant
26. (un)Making the Imposter Syndrome - Barbara Adewumi
27. I Came All This Way for This! – Anon
Conclusion and Recommendations - De-Shaine Murray
Our Ancestor’s Wildest Dreams… (Fictionalisation) - Jacqueline Darkwa
Afterword: For Our Community - De-Shaine Murray
