The University of Westminster has launched Black History Year (BHY) for the 2022-23 academic year with Catherine Loveday, Professor of Social Sciences and Psychologist, in conversation with John Amaechi OBE, Organisational Psychologist and best-selling New York Times Author.
Dr Deborah Husbands, Lead of the University’s Black History Year Steering Group, introduced Professor Loveday and John Amaechi and welcomed the guests, including Vice-Chancellor and President Dr Peter Bonfield.
Professor Loveday opened the discussion by asking Amaechi about his favourite songs, as she believes that music is a good window into people's history and memories. This question made the audience more involved with upcoming topics, including racism, privilege, stereotypes and everyday language.
Amaechi pointed out that he feels extremely privileged but is angry that other people of colour are not in the same situation, and their lives are constantly interrupted by that fact. He believes that every time a quiet or quieted group becomes represented, groups which are already mainstream become afraid that they might lose their status.
Amaechi also talked about his own struggles, as a very tall person, he does not feel like his size protects him. He has been stopped by the police many times because he supposedly “matched a description”. He works hard to appear calm and amicable to diffuse the stereotype that people who look like him are dangerous.
Professor Loveday asked about his safe places, which includes his and his sisters’ houses, and the NHS campus he used to work at, but nowhere outside of those places. Amaechi explained that he does not feel comfortable to go out because he does not like how many people look at him – as if he were a monster.
As the first NBA player who openly talked about being part of the LGBTQ+ community, Amaechi also discussed the issues of Black Queer sportspeople. He stated that even though there is still much room for improvement, changes have been made for the better since the 1990s.
Nearing the end of the conversation, Amaechi and Professor Loveday talked about the importance of language and expression in everyday life. Amaechi said: “Skin colour matters because we need to acknowledge that people of colour are perceived differently. You can say the word ‘black’ out loud, as it is just a description; language and thought are lined up.”
Talking about the event, Professor Loveday said: “I always learn so much from John but there is always something new for me to take away and tonight was no exception. I am really grateful to Deborah Husbands and the BHY Steering Group for giving me this valuable opportunity.”
John Amaechi OBE is an honorary Professor of Leadership at the University of Exeter Business School, an Executive Coach and Founder of APS Intelligence Ltd, all while being a Non-Executive Director of a FTSE 250 company. In addition, he is Board Advisor for several FTSE 100 organisations in the financial, legal and professional services, technology, publishing, engineering and retail sectors. Amaechi is a Chartered Scientist, a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and an Elected Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health and Association of Business Psychologists. He is a Research Fellow at the University of East London. Amaechi is also the first Briton to have a career in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Learn more about upcoming BHY events at the University of Westminster.
