The University of Westminster recently held an event to mark the end of another iteration of the Black History Year (BHY) Create programme. Funded by the Quintin Hogg Trust (QHT), this event brought together students, alumni, colleagues and governors in recognition of the achievements and impact of BHY Create, a key strand of the wider BHY initiative.
The celebration, which took place on 12 June, created a warm atmosphere for attendees to gather and reflect on the year’s successes. Once settled, Stephen Bunbury, Reader (Associate Professor) in Law, Programme Lead and Chair of BHY Create, and Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice–Chancellor of Global Engagement and Employability, officially welcomed the audience.
Louisa Joseph is the Founder of BAME to Boardroom Ltd, a UK-based consultancy focusing on advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the workplace and she delivered the programme for the students. Louisa opened the event, setting the tone for the celebration. She was followed by speeches from Laura Hughes, the University’s Head of Alumni Relations and an alumna herself, and Rhiannon Thomas Val, a Mentoring Officer at the University.
Three current students shared their personal experiences with the BHY Create programme and former student and alumnus, Jordan Samuels, gave an address. Caroline Lloyd, Director of Student and Academic Services at the University, then took the stage to underscore the University’s support for the initiative.
The evening continued with further student reflections and networking, joined by alumni Henry Onyia and Princess Frankhenry. They highlighted how BHY Create continues to have a lasting impact beyond graduation.
The event concluded with closing remarks and a thank you from Dr Deborah Husbands, Reader in Race and Sociocultural Psychology and Lead of the BHY programme, who is also an alumna of the University. She acknowledged the dedication of everyone involved and reaffirmed the importance of supporting Black student voices across the University.
Organised by BHY, the celebration served not only as a graduation but as a reminder of the programme’s mission to uplift, empower and create space for Black students through creativity, community and leadership.
BHY Create was built on the success of the University’s wider BHY initiative, which hosts high-profile events on industry, resilience, creativity and wellbeing. BHY Create was developed as a long-term, grassroots response to support Black students in navigating structural barriers and shaping their futures. The programme has laid the foundation for other empowerment initiatives across the University, influencing leadership, mentoring and inclusion efforts that centre underrepresented student voices.
Stephen Bunbury said: “Now in its third year, the BHY Create Programme has become a catalyst for transformational change in student outcomes. It equips participants with the confidence, leadership skills and critical voice to thrive in their academic and professional journeys. This year’s graduation was more than a celebration; it marked a powerful affirmation of sustained Black student excellence, belonging and the structural change they are helping to lead.”
This event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about the Black History Year Create 2025 programme at the University of Westminster.
