Being black at Cambridge University - BBC News

Summary

This documentary follows the experiences of Black British students at Cambridge University, shedding light on the challenges they face within an institution historically lacking ethnic diversity. Through personal stories from students like Ashley, Fabiana, Success, and Sharon, the film explores issues such as racial discrimination, imposter syndrome, and the struggle to navigate a predominantly white academic environment. Despite institutional efforts to improve diversity, the students reflect on the ongoing need for more inclusive spaces, while showing resilience and pride in their achievements. Their experiences highlight the emotional and social complexities of studying at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Black students at prestigious universities like Cambridge face academic pressure, but race-related challenges often make the experience more difficult.
• 😀 Despite efforts to increase ethnic diversity, Cambridge has struggled with inclusivity, with black students making up less than 3% of the undergraduate population.
• 😀 Cambridge introduced the Stormzy scholarship in 2018 to support black British undergraduates, highlighting efforts to improve diversity.
• 😀 Many black students, including those from diverse backgrounds, report feeling like impostors or out of place due to the predominantly white and privileged environment.
• 😀 The academic environment at Cambridge can be challenging for black students, with some feeling disconnected from the intellectual culture due to the lack of racial awareness.
• 😀 Black students have encountered racial discrimination, including microaggressions and explicit racial slurs from fellow students and even faculty members.
• 😀 There is a lack of sufficient support or mechanisms in place to help black students feel welcomed or integrated into the university culture.
• 😀 Some black students, like Fabiana, faced racist incidents that shocked them, including being targeted with racial slurs at social events.
• 😀 Despite these challenges, black students find support in groups like the African Caribbean Society (ACS), which creates a sense of community and belonging.
• 😀 The coronavirus lockdown further isolated students, complicating their mental health, particularly in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement and racial injustices.
• 😀 While some students continue to struggle with issues of race, they find ways to overcome these challenges, expressing that their identity is a source of strength rather than a barrier.

Q & A

What challenges do Black students face at prestigious universities like Cambridge, beyond academic pressure?

Black students at universities like Cambridge often experience a sense of being out of place due to the predominantly white environment. They may struggle with feelings of imposter syndrome, racial discrimination, and the pressure to represent their communities while navigating an unfamiliar and often isolating academic culture.

How has the ethnic diversity at Cambridge changed in recent years?

Cambridge has made efforts to improve ethnic diversity, with a significant step taken in 2018 when the university introduced the Stormzy Scholarship, designed to fund Black British undergraduates. This led to a record number of 91 Black British students being admitted, though Black students still make up less than 3% of the undergraduate population.

What does success, a Black student from Manchester, say about the challenges of finding cultural connections at Cambridge?

Success mentions the difficulty of finding a barber in Cambridge who can cut Afro hair, which highlights the struggle of feeling out of place when basic cultural needs, like hair care, are not easily met in the environment.

What was Sharon's experience as a Black student at Cambridge, particularly regarding her identity and culture?

Sharon, a student from Tottenham studying History and Spanish, feels proud to represent Eritrean culture at Cambridge, despite recognizing that being a person of color in a predominantly white space makes her feel different. She describes instances where she is the only Black person in class, which is a constant reminder of her cultural uniqueness in the academic environment.

What incident of racial discrimination did Fabiana experience shortly after arriving at Cambridge?

Fabiana, a student from Coventry, experienced racial discrimination when another student at a social event used a racial slur. Although Fabiana was shocked, she chose to confront the student privately, and the student later apologized.

How does the university handle racial discrimination incidents, according to Fabiana's experience?

Fabiana chose not to report the incident of racial discrimination but instead dealt with it privately. This reflects a gap in the institutional response, as not all incidents are formally addressed, and some students feel isolated in handling these issues on their own.

What steps has Cambridge University taken to address issues of racial inclusion and diversity?

Cambridge University has launched programs like the Stormzy Scholarship to increase diversity and has committed to a three-year initiative to promote dialogue around issues of race. Additionally, the university is working to increase the number of Black students to create a critical mass, which will help students feel less isolated.

Why does the university’s Vice Chancellor consider Cambridge institutionally racist?

The Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University acknowledges that while steps have been taken to address diversity, the institution remains institutionally racist in the sense that it does not fully acknowledge race as a relevant aspect of students’ intellectual experiences. This lack of acknowledgment perpetuates a feeling of exclusion among students of color.

How does the African Caribbean Society (ACS) support Black students at Cambridge?

The ACS serves as a vital support system for Black students at Cambridge, offering a space where they can celebrate their culture, share experiences, and build community. Events like their special dinners provide a sense of solidarity and belonging, which helps students navigate the challenges of being in a predominantly white environment.

What personal struggles did Black students face during the coronavirus lockdown, according to the transcript?

During the national lockdown caused by the coronavirus, Black students at Cambridge, like others, experienced isolation, mental health struggles, and a lack of support. Many were also grappling with the global Black Lives Matter protests following George Floyd's death, which amplified feelings of racial injustice and disconnection from their university environment.