Student or Graduate Panellist Living Black at University Book Launch

Short summary Join a panel conversation on Black students’ experiences of higher education at the launch of Living Black at University , with editor Osaro Otobo. Paid opportunity for current students and graduates. Thursday 19 November, Peckham, London. About the opportunity We’re inviting students and graduates to join a panel as part of Living Black at University: Book Launch and Conversations.

The panel will be in conversation with the book’s editor, Osaro Otobo, and will explore Black students’ experiences and perspectives of higher education, including activism, belonging and wellbeing, and universities’ responsibilities to Black communities. The book, Living Black at University: Anti-Racist Praxis Beyond the Curriculum , is published by Manchester University Press in December 2026.

It builds on the 2022 Living Black at University report and Commission and brings together more than 15 contributors from across higher education. What’s involved An online pre-meet with Osaro (1 hour, Monday 16 or Tuesday 17 November) to shape the conversation, respond to the themes and agree how the panel will work.

A short book excerpt shared in advance (you don’t need to have read the book). The panel conversation on Thursday 19 November, 5–5.30pm, as part of an event running 3–6.30pm. Live music, food and drinks will follow the panel. We would request you be at the event from 4.30pm at the latest ahead of joining the panel, but you would be very welcome to attend for the entire thing.

Possible themes Trust: what helps build trust between Black students and their universities? Speaking up: what would make you feel able to raise concerns in a university setting? Saying and doing: is there a gap between what universities say about race and students’ experiences? Leadership: how can universities enable student influence and lasting change?

Good practice: what good examples of anti-racist practice have you come across? Who we’re looking for Current students and graduates with a range of perspectives and levels of experience. No panel experience or confident public speaking is needed. You can share ideas and observations without sharing personal experiences, and there’s no expectation to share anything you’re uncomfortable with.

Practical details Date: Thursday 19 November 2026, 4.30–5.30pm (arrive by 4.30pm; panel is 5–5.30pm). You’re welcome to stay for the full event, 3–6.30pm, including live music, food and drinks. Pre-meet: Online, 1 hour, on Monday 16 or Tuesday 17 November (exact time to be confirmed). Location: Archwood House, Eagle Wharf, 90–96 Peckham Hill St, London SE15 5JT.

Recording: The event will not be recorded. There will be photography at the event. How to apply Register your interest via Arts. Temps by Monday 9 November by sharing a short cover letter (around 150–200 words) telling us why you’re interested in the panel and what perspectives you’d like to bring. Please also say whether you’re available on Monday 16 or Tuesday 17 November for the online pre-meet.

You don’t need to have read the book or have any panel experience. We’ll confirm participation by Wednesday 11 November, and will confirm the pre-meet time then.

Who we’re looking for We’re looking for current students and graduates with a range of perspectives and levels of experience. No panel experience or confident public speaking is needed. You can share ideas and observations without sharing personal experiences, and there’s no expectation to share anything you’re uncomfortable with.

Because the book and the Living Black at University report focus on Black students’ lived experience, we would particularly welcome applications from Black students and graduates. We also welcome applications from students and graduates of all backgrounds who are interested in the themes of the conversation. We’re committed to an inclusive environment where everyone can express themselves freely and feel welcome.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, including those of different races, disabilities, ages, sexes, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions and beliefs, marital and civil partnership statuses, pregnancy and maternity status, and caring responsibilities.