BHM blog: Why 1% Black professorship is not enough – and why a PhD is my path to change

Black History Month blog: PhD student highlights the opportunity for Global health students to complete or enrol on a PhD, with the support of the That's Me Project. 

  "Why 1% Black professorship is not enough – and why a PhD is my path to change" 

According to a study, new Government data has revealed that the proportion of black professors at UK universities has stalled at just 1 percent. 

As a proud Afro-Caribbean PhD student, I come from a lineage of scholars and community activists whose influence has deeply shaped my journey. Their legacy has inspired me to pursue an academic career in a country that upholds education as a path to empowerment, social mobility, and self-improvement. As a British citizen who has lived the so-called "diversity dream," I’ve often been told that leadership is my destiny. My sights are set on the few Black professors who have blazed a trail ahead of me. 

However, despite the optimism and inspiration I draw from these role models, the numbers tell a different story. The reality is that the path to professorship is fraught with socioeconomic and racial barriers—obstacles that many, including myself, must navigate. This journey, while full of potential, reflects a system that still presents significant challenges to Black scholars like me.  

The reality behind the numbers 

In the field of education—a sector I am deeply passionate about—the statistics paint a stark picture. Out of 23,515 professors in the UK, only 165 are Black, and just 61 of those are Black women. Common sense alone would suggest that reaching my goal of becoming a professor would make me an outlier. But why is this the case? 

Often, the blame for this underrepresentation is unfairly placed on the very communities most affected. Yet, despite facing significant social challenges, the Black community has consistently strived to overcome these barriers. As a public health practitioner, my work has always centered on promoting equity and addressing systemic issues. Still, the journey to achieving Black professorship in 2024 remains daunting, and the question remains: why does this continue to be the case? 

A glimpse upstream: the impact of Black Lives Matter 

To understand this issue, we must look toward the Black Lives Matter movement. The murder of George Floyd profoundly impacted me. In him, I saw my son, father, uncle, husband, cousin, nephew, and role model. The hatred behind that act was more than just an attack on a single person; it was an assault on society. This incident forced me to confront the painful reality that systemic racism still exists. Why did I need to explain why this crime was so wrong? Did it matter he was Black and male in the wrong place? Was he not a human entitled to protection? This ideology has been the elephant in the room, blocking Black leaders from achieving their rightful place in the professorship. 

George Floyd's murder also brought me to a dimension where my Blackness and self-pride were questioned. Some even shared their wonderment if it was justifiable to murder a man so callously. This had me wondering, are these the same voices questioning the validity of a Black professor's and their equal capabilities? Does my skin colour come with its own set of question marks that I must also answer to justify my place as a professor? 

Confronting voices of doubt 

For those who don’t know me, please excuse my directness. I understand that my message may not resonate with everyone, as few have experienced what it’s like to be a third-generation Windrush descendant in a country where, despite generations fighting for the motherland, signs like "No Dogs, No Irish, No Blacks" were once common. My family, friends, and community contributed to this nation, paying taxes and raising families, only to be told to leave. This history makes me wonder if the echoes of these past injustices still contribute to the gap in legitimacy when it comes to Black professorship. 

 Why I decided to pursue a PhD 

In light of this backdrop of social inequality and intersectionality, the critical question arises: Is this the right time to confront these deeply rooted issues? For me, the answer is yes. By pursuing a PhD, I’m taking a stand and challenging the status quo. This journey isn’t just personal—it's a step toward changing the narrative for future generations of Black professors. 

I am excited about the possibility that completing a PhD will allow me to play a meaningful role in reshaping the academic landscape for the next generation. This is why I’ve chosen to pursue a PhD—to be part of the solution and ensure that the story doesn’t remain the same for those who come after me.