BAS Conference

BAS Conference

BAS Conference

BAS Conference

A first conference to remember

We opened registrations hoping to fill the room. We ended up at maximum capicity for ticket registrations across the two days.

On the day, 109 people joined us on Monday and 127 on Tuesday. Students, staff and external guests all came together in one space, and you could feel the energy from the very first session. We opened with a steel pan, dance and a cultural opening that brought the energy to life early.

Why this mattered now

This conference didn't happen in a vacuum. The tragic loss of Professor Jason Arday this summer has put a real spotlight on the experiences of Black academics and staff in universities.

That context sat with all of us across the two days. It made the conversations feel urgent, honest and necessary and it made coming together feel more important than ever.

A packed agenda

The programme was full from start to finish, at times with three sessions running side by side. Academics, guest speakers and contributors brought forward the conversations that matter:

• Black identity
• Belonging in academic spaces
• Making sure contributions are recognised
• Making sure experiences are better understood

But we were also taking the conversatio outside of these matters and sharing research, publications, lifes work and art. We were joined by Sussex alumnus Sentle Nell, who flew in from South Africa to be with us. A former SPRU student, Sentle challenged us to think about who is included, and who is left out of conversations on environmentalism and sustainability, bringing a powerful perspective on climate justice and racial climate justice.

Dr Ushe, from the university and the African Society, delivered some truly powerful contributions that stayed with people long after the session ended about who and why research from Black acadmics is over scrutinized.

It was also brilliant to have Sussex alumnus Michael MacMillan and photographer Eddie Otchere in the room with us.

Keynote: The Honourable Dr Stuart Lawrence

We were honoured to welcome the Honourable Dr Stuart Lawrence, brother of Stephen Lawrence, to deliver our keynote.

Stuart spoke openly about his experiences since his brother's murder, and how it has shaped him, his family and his outlook on life. He also shared the work he has gone on to deliver in education. It was a room that listened in a way you rarely see.

The alumni panel

Following Stuart's keynote, we welcomed a panel of Sussex alumni: Ife Thompson, Denise Noble and Daniel Akinbosede. Each brought real insight, honest viewpoints and fresh perspectives that added so much to the conversation.

An honorary doctorate for Charlie Phillips

One of the moments that will stay with all of us was celebrating the honorary doctorate awarded to Charlie Phillips OBE.

At the Eat and Meet lunch, the whole room rose to give Charlie a standing ovation. It brought him to tears. In a short, deeply emotional reflection, he asked simply: why has it taken 30 years?

It was a moment of recognition long overdue and a reminder of exactly why spaces like this need to exist. The conferenment took place in the library where Pro Vice Chancellor David Ruebain delivered the honorarium alongside a heartfelt speech from Professor Martin Evans.

Coming together around the table

Monday lunch.We hosted 30 guests of Black at Sussex for lunch. Conversation centred on the project's impact so far, our plans for the final year, and what the future could hold.

The Eat and Meet.On Tuesday, 60 guests joined us for a meal. We welcomed the Afro-Caribbean Society and the Africa Centre from across the university, alongside students and colleagues. It opened up some fantastic conversations and new connections.

The final dinner.We closed by thanking our panellists, keynotes and esteemed guests. Very quickly, the conversation turned to the future – of Black at Sussex, and of the University of Sussex itself. We know this is a challenging time for universities across the sector, and Sussex is not immune. But the energy in that room said one thing clearly: this work matters, and it needs to continue.

What people told us

The feedback has been phenomenal. We've had a real outpouring of congratulations since the conference closed.

More than one person told us it was one of the most empowering conferences they have attended in their academic life and their careers. For a first ever Black at Sussex conference, we couldn't have asked for more.

Here's to next year

The impact of these two days is already being felt. We very much hope this becomes an annual event, one the University of Sussex can be truly proud of.

Thank you to eeveryone who came, contributed and shared.

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