Poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay, the Chancellor of The University of Manchester, is launching a new university bursary designed to increase the number of black males embarking on careers in law and the criminal justice sector.

A first of its kind, the Lemn Sissay Law Bursaries take into account applicants’ race, gender and socio-economic background.The School of Law’s Black Lawyers Matter project was set up in 2016 by a group of academics, community leaders and legal practitioners on discovery that out of some 1200 undergraduates, only 14 UK-based Black males of African and Caribbean heritage were registered on law and criminology courses, and of these none were from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Working with community organisations, schools, regulators and legal & criminal justice professionals, the project aims to address black and minority ethnic under-representation in higher education and the professions – as well as to promote the relationship between the University and Manchester’s African & Caribbean communities.

The Lemn Sissay Bursaries specifically aim to address the obstacles faced by male students of African & Caribbean heritage who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. It will offer eligible applicants an annual grant of £3,000, funded by the School of Law.

“It is a privilege to be part of this project, which will widen participation and improve the relationship with the local communities who often never benefit from the resources of universities,“ said barrister Tunde Okewale MBE. “This is something that would have benefited me had it existed when I was studying law. I believe that it will help to improve and increase the diversity within the legal industry, as well as facilitating a more open and transparent dialogue about racial inequality in higher education.”

“This initiative signals an important step in progressing with our local communities and partner organisations to ensure that people from all backgrounds feel a sense of ownership of and belonging to The University of Manchester and its cultural institutions,” said senior lecturer Dr Dawn Edge, The University’s Academic Lead for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.

The bursary will be launched at an event which will feature debates with Greater Manchester Black & Asian Police Association, youth workers and musicians about combating the recent rise in violence, cuts to local services, the role of the police and making our communities safer. Attendees will also be able to get expert advice on making an application to the University, working there and accessing its cultural institutions.

The event will take place from 6-8pm on Wednesday 13 September at the West Indian Sports and Social Club, Westwood St, Manchester M14 4SW.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here