A compelling discussion on the challenges faced by Black PhD students in academia. Guests William Ackah and Madina Wane, co-editors of 'The Black PhD Experience', offer a nuanced exploration of the lived experiences of Black scholars.

Through personal narratives the book examines systemic barriers, microaggressions, the psychological toll faced by Black students and the strategies they employ to persist.

This episode offers valuable insights for educators, researchers and policymakers seeking to understand and address the urgent need for greater equity and inclusion in higher education.

William Ackah is Senior Lecturer in Black and Community Geographies at Birkbeck, University of London. Madina Wane is a research scientist working in the biomedical sector and the co-founder of the non-profit organisation, Black In Immuno.

Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/the-black-phd-student-experience

The full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/10/09/podcast-the-black-phd-experience/

Read the Leading Routes report: https://leadingroutes.org/the-broken-pipeline

Timestamps:

1:06 - What are your stories and how did you come to edit the book?

5:59 - Can you talk about the approach you've taken with the book?

9:24 - In what ways are widening participation efforts in academia performative?

14:26 - How do individual actions align with structural racism to influence the experience?

19:00 - Can you speak about the drain of the PhD experience?

25:40 - How do black scholars support each other? 

35:25 - What fundamental shifts in thinking are needed in higher education to make change possible?

40:17 - Can you talk about the 5 areas for specific action?

49:22 - Can you talk about the fictional last chapter?

Intro music:

Cold by yoitrax | @yoitrax

Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com 

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