Through these lightning talks, our speakers share personal insights, research and lived experiences that challenge mainstream narratives. They explore untold successes, confront complex histories and celebrate cultural contributions – all with the aim of broadening perspectives and inspiring change.
Sharon Frazer
Let’s Talk About the 2024 Riots – Changing Narratives When Out of Sight is Out of Mind
Join Sharon for a powerful exploration of the 2024 riots, using these events to highlight the importance of feelings and emotions in changing narratives. Building on insights from her PhD research, this session underscores the collective work we all must do to effect lasting social change.
Dr Fidele Mutwarasibo
Empowering Others to Reclaim the Narrative through Action Research and Bespoke Leadership Development
In the post-2020 landscape, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) work remains a lively and often contested space. Reflecting on G. A. Spivak’s question, ‘Can the subaltern speak?’, Dr Mutwarasibo explores how racialised minorities can reclaim their voices and spaces.
Drawing on two recent autoethnographic papers, he discusses the role of emancipatory allies, the importance of broadening leadership, and the potential of programmes such as the Black Leadership and Empowerment Programme to nurture confident, empowered new voices.
Dr Margaret Ebubedike
Challenging Epistemic Injustice in Research to Address ‘The Danger of a Single Story’
Dr Ebubedike’s community-based participatory research focuses on centring the voices of people with lived experience as experts in their own right. Using an asset-based approach, she challenges the deficit narratives that too often define traditional research and perpetuate 'the danger of a single story'. Her talk highlights the importance of inclusive, co-created knowledge.
Dr Joseph Kwarteng
Reclaiming Digital Narratives: Addressing Misogynoir in Online Spaces
Digital spaces can both empower and marginalise. Dr Kwarteng’s research explores misogynoir – the intersection of racism and misogyny directed at Black women and how online platforms can perpetuate these biases.
He examines the limits of automated hate-speech detection, the need for more equitable digital systems, and how Black women can reclaim their online presence to reshape digital discourse and challenge stereotypes.
Eleanor St Hilaire
Empowering Black Excellence: Dispelling False Narratives in Education
Eleanor St Hilaire celebrates the excellence of Black university students while confronting deficit-based narratives that misrepresent their abilities and potential. She discusses systemic barriers in education, shares examples of best practice, and advocates for inclusive environments where Black students can thrive and lead with confidence.
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