Birmingham City University will become the first European Uni to offer students a degree which focuses mainly on black studies. The Degree which has been launched in September 2017 has undergraduate BA honors course which focuses on examining the histories, social movements, and contribution of people of African descent only. Birmingham is said to be the perfect place to launch such a degree based on the fact that Birmingham is one of Europes most diverse cities with a strong history of community activism and engagement.
Dr Kehinde Andrews, associate professor of sociology at the university, described Birmingham as being “the perfect place” to launch such a degree, considering it is one of Europe’s most diverse cities, with a “strong history” of community activism and engagement.
The long tradition of black studies courses have been known to be only available in the United States.
“The opportunity to study such courses in the UK is long overdue”. Said Dr Kehinde Andrews, associate professor in sociology at the University of Birmingham. She is currently engaged in a project examing the role of black radicalism in the contemporary organization against racial oppression.
“For too long, UK universities have overlooked the experiences and perspectives of those in the African diaspora. The contributions of black scholars, activists, and communities have not been recognised, creating a limited curriculum.
“Student movements have recently demonstrated this across the country, complaining of a ‘narrow knowledge’ in universities, including the ‘Why is my curriculum white?’ campaign.”
Academics at Birmingham City University have an international reputation for research in the area of black studies, with recent projects focusing on the exploration of black men’s distance from crime, as well as the influence of pop culture on young black British women.
Dr Andrews added: “The new degree offers students a critical understanding of British and global society, international study abroad opportunities, and experiences working to improve conditions in communities.”
Ms Valerie Amos, director of SOAS, University of London, recently emphasised the importance of more black representation within the country’s higher education system.
Speaking to the Independent last month, she described how she was “astounded” to be the first black woman to lead a UK university, and said: “The number of black professors is incredibly low. It’s a cause for huge concern and must be a priority area for action.”
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