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Welcome to this week's episode of "Make It Plain." Kehinde reveals what has getting him stressed and tired...the troubling news that management at Birmingham City University have decided to close the Black Studies program, putting five Black staff members, including himself at risk of redundancy. This decision comes despite promises to the contrary and highlights a attack on Black intellectual thought. We discuss the impact of this closure on students and staff, of the sudden closure of the MA Black Studies and Global Justice, with absolutely no notice or consultation.
Kehinde emphasises the transformative power of Black Studies in education. The program has been instrumental in supporting students who might not have otherwise attended university, helping them achieve remarkable academic success. The episode also covers the recent local elections in the UK, where the Reform Party, led by Nigel Farage, made significant gains. Kehinde explores the implications of these results and the potential threat they pose to the political landscape, while also finding a silver lining in the overconfidence it will lead to in Farage, ultimately blocking the real danger of the next general election in the UK.
Throughout the discussion, we stress the importance of community support and the need for independent Black organisations to thrive outside traditional institutions. We invite listeners to join us in upcoming events and initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting Black Studies and intellectual thought. Read the public letter and sign the petition in support https://c.org/hnpyKBCX7X Read about the attack on Black Studies in the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/may/12/birmingham-city-university-urged-not-to-axe-black-studies-ma
In the Times Higher: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/black-studies-masters-course-close-birmingham-city Get you FREE ticket for what might be the final Black Studies event at Birmingham City University. Sunday May 24th the Black Studies team will be hosting Kimberlé Crenshaw to talk her new book Backtalker, and the importance of defending Black intellectual thought: https://Kimberlecrenshaw.eventbrite.co.uk
Join Harambee OBU: www.blackunity.org.uk
Written and hosted by: Kehinde Andrews
Edited by: Kadiri Andrews
Artwork by: Assata Andrews
