College alumni join Facebook campaign
Two former Concord College students have appeared on a Cambridge University inspired Facebook post in a bid to encourage more young black men to apply for placements.
Dami Adebayo, 20, was head boy in 2014/15 and Jimi Babasola, 20, was a student at the Acton Burnell-based college at the same time.
Dami and Jimi, who are both studying engineering at Cambridge, have appeared in a group photo of 14 black male students that has gained more than 2,000 Facebook likes.
The post on Facebook said: “In 2015 only 15 black male undergraduates were accepted into Cambridge. However, it is important that despite their underrepresentation we let young black people know that this is something that they can aspire to.”
Of 3,449 students accepted into Cambridge during the 2015/16 academic year, 38 defined themselves as black. This figure did not include any students who defined themselves on their application as mixed race.
Jimi said he wanted the image to challenge the ‘stereotype’ of a Cambridge student. “The aim of the picture was really to encourage more black students to apply here because many people get discouraged by a particular image or stereotype of a Cambridge student that they have in their mind, thinking that they won’t fit in or be accepted.”
Matthew Ryder, deputy mayor of London for social integration, social mobility and community engagement, said the picture was ‘challenging’ the university to do more by mere fact that it showed how few black men were admitted to Cambridge each year.
“But just as importantly, it is telling other young black men that if they apply to Cambridge, and are accepted, there are others just like them who are already there.
“The subtext is that being a confident black man and being a Cambridge University student are not mutually exclusive.”
Cambridge is one of 27 universities which are currently members of the Race Quality Charter – a scheme designed to address the representation of staff and students from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Concord College principal Neil Hawkins said: "I am delighted that two of our alumni have had the strength to raise this very important matter with such dignity. We all need role models in life and these young men are demonstrating that they have the character and integrity to lead along with the energy and sense of humour to enjoy life.”
