Bristol celebrates first BME Power List at launch event

Bristol graduate Chanté Joseph founded the BME Power List earlier this year. The List officially launched yesterday, on Saturday 27th October.

Yesterday, students, University staff and members of the community were invited to attend the launch of the Bristol BME Power List. The event encouraged attendees to network, discuss existing problems facing the BME community and celebrate the achievements of those featured on the list.

The launch was opened with a speech by project founder, Chanté Joseph. Guests then had the opportunity to network and mingle over lunch.

Speakers at the event also included the Chief Executive of the SU Samantha Budd, current BME Network Chair Eva Larkai, Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees, Councillor Asher Craig, and Pro-Vice Chancellor Judith Squires. Each of which spoke about the importance of pushing greater diversity at the University and within the wider Bristol community.

(From left to right) Robiu Salisu, Chanté Joseph, Samantha Budd, Judith Squires, Nasra Ayub and Eva Larkai

During the Mayor’s speech, Rees announced his support for the BME Power List celebration to become an annual event in the city.

The room was then split into discussion groups which debated the following topics and issues:

• What is the best way to address cases of microaggression and racist comments in the community and at the University?
• How do we force a stronger relationship between BME Students and the Bristol community?
• What does an inclusive education system look like and what changes can we make to the delivery of education at Bristol?
• How can we improve employability opportunities for BME students and create a stronger link with employers and businesses in Bristol?

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol

The Power List is a collection of Bristol's 100 most inspiring and influential Black and Minority Ethnic People, as nominated by members of the Bristol community. The project accumulated over 500 nominees.

Joseph first presented the idea of the BME Power List to the University of Bristol’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion steering group. The group agreed to sponsor the project, and following this, Joseph secured partnerships with Bristol SU and Bristol 24/7. The campaign began in January, during Joseph’s final year at University.

Ore Odubiyi, founder of BME Medics - a platform for black and minority ethnic medical students - said:

‘It’s amazing to come together and see the work of BME people in Bristol. It unifies us.’

Ore Odubiyi, founder of BME Medics

Ella Alalade, a third-year Ancient History student, said:

‘I feel like this lunch and Power List is really important to BME students. I think it shows you how many people in Bristol are so advanced in their fields and not enough people know about it. It shows a creative and active community – it’s something we should aspire to, but something that also people – especially white people in Bristol – should appreciate more.’

Joseph closed the afternoon by asking everyone to take their ideas and create positive change; ‘It is important we continue to recognise BME individuals who are sacrificing so much to improve the world around them at every level. This means the world to me.’

View the full Powerlist here.

Featured images: Epigram / Kate Hutchison