By Diandre Magrin, Business Tutor
Dr. Trevor Adams of TheBlackHero.com visited our Hitchin campus to deliver a guest speaking session about the significance of Black History Month.
Dr. Adams discussed his personal experiences with racism and ignorance which began when he moved from Guyana to the UK in the 1970s. He broke stigmas, reflecting on when he was told to go back to Guyana and explained how he wanted to return, but Britain had called for Caribbeans to help rebuild post-war. Teaching students about awareness of cultural differences and key historical events allows them to have a clearer picture of the need for diversity in our society and the value individuality adds.
Students explored Dr. Adams’ own inspirational journey of education, faced with challenges but overcoming them to attain the highest level of professional qualification without even holding a BA.
Some of the key points students and staff have taken away from Dr. Adams’ visit is that everyone is a genius, and we all have the capacity to be free in our own right. He used the lyrics of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song to explain the importance of education to free mental enslavement and combat ignorance, one of the biggest limitations in our world.
Dr. Trevor Adams’ talk not only celebrated Black History, but championed his unique journey through education and the importance of believing in yourself. A survey conducted by Show Racism the Red Card suggested that 55% of student respondents were aware of incidents involving racism. Racism reduces confidence, and impacts mental wellbeing, some of the biggest barriers to learning.
Students left the session feeling inspired and full of self-belief, they not only identified with Dr. Adams’ story but realised that they too can achieve their dreams once they break out of mental enslavement.
One NHC student in attendance commented:
“I just wanted to express my gratitude that what Dr. Adams said really resonated with me, I see a lot of myself in his story, and it is very inspiring.”
Whether students have experienced racism or not, building a society of ‘anti-racist’ citizens starts with us. It is our duty to provide enriching and real experiences to students which contextualise the events they hear about on the news, in different countries and on their doorstep. Talks like this are the first step in doing so!
