Black History Month marked at Cambridge Judge Business School

Speakers at the panel on 20 October were Dr Syra Shakir, Associate Professor of Learning and Teaching, Strategic Lead Race Equity and REC Silver, Leeds Trinity University; Lord Simon Woolley, Principal of Homerton College, Cambridge; and Henrietta Mbeah-Bankas, CEO of Methodist Independent Schools Trust. The panel was moderated by Alan Jagolinzer, Professor of Financial Accounting at Cambridge Judge, who organises the Cambridge Disinformation Summit that brings hundreds of people together to discuss the effects of disinformation on society.

Alan said of the panel, which was held under Chatham House Rules:

We discussed what we sense is a major shift in norms regarding perceived intentions of, and support for, EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) conceptually and in practice. I assess that some of this is driven by belief and political system incentives and agenda. I also think it stems from a lack of understanding of what society collectively gains from safer communities that embrace differences and elevates often-marginalised ideas and voices. To meet the shift in norms, I think we have a responsibility to better, and more succinctly, communicate value. I think the session we hosted was in that spirit.

Professor Alan Jagolinzer

Addressing systemic and cultural barriers

The organiser of the panel and other Black History Month events at Cambridge Judge was Manaz Javaid, EDI Manager at the Business School and Co -Chair of the Race Equality Network (REN), University of Cambridge, who said:

“For me, progressing race equality starts with understanding and addressing the systemic and cultural barriers that hold it back. Younger generations have a vital role to play in driving change and shaping a more inclusive society. Education and a wider understanding of the historical and social context are essential to challenging misinformation, disinformation and false narratives.”

EMBA event also marked Black History Month

Among other Black History Month events at Cambridge Judge was “Honouring our communities: Black leadership, belonging and the Executive MBA experience”. Organised by the EMBA programmes of the Business School, this online event featured a panel of Executive MBA and Global Executive MBA students and alumni.

Marking Black History Month is a key part of Cambridge Judge’s Festivals and Celebrations Strategy, and forms part of our wider commitment to celebrating diverse business practices and communities while promoting inclusion and advancing race equality.