How to keep the momentum going

For Race Equality Week, we created a pledge board inspired by the Race Equality Matters Big Promise campaign. 

So many of you got involved by making and sharing a pledge committing to action towards race equality. There were lots of great contributions; here are some suggested next steps to help you follow through on your pledge, and take action beyond Race Equality Week. 

Keep learning 

A lot of you said you wanted to keep learning and continue being an active ally. That commitment does not stop when the week ends. There are plenty of ways to deepen your understanding, from reading articles and listening to podcasts, to attending workshops and talks on campus. You can explore resources from organisations such as the Runnymede Trust, and our university Race Equality Charter blog for updates and reflections. Online platforms such as Gal-dem and Black Ballad also provide commentary and discussion led by writers of colour.

Podcasts such as About Race with Reni Eddo Lodge offer another way to engage with these conversations in your own time.

Read more 

Some of you pledged to read more work by authors from different backgrounds. This is a powerful way to broaden your perspective. Our library highlights collections such as Black Literature and Culture, The Migrant Journey, and the International Book List.

Donate money 

Others said they would like to donate or fundraise. If you are in a position to give money or volunteer, there are many charities and organisations doing important work in this area. You might consider supporting  Stop Hate UK, SARI Stand Against Racism and Inequality, Bath Welcomes Refugees, The Belonging Network. Even small contributions can support long term change.

Learn about different cultures 

Learning about different cultures was another common theme. This can start with attending cultural events on campus, engaging with different groups, or exploring stories through film and television. Into Film provides a Black History Month film list, and titles such as Dear White People, Get Out, and  Pose  offer different perspectives and starting points for discussion. Talks and videos such as Why I Speak of Hope and David Olusoga’s Black and British series also provide insight into lived experience and history.

Make space and speak up 

Many of you wrote about making space for others and speaking up when something is not right. Being an ally means listening carefully and amplifying voices that are often overlooked. It also means challenging negative and discriminatory comments or behaviours. You can connect with others who are committed to this work through the Race Equality Group and other student groups that focus on inclusion and belonging.

Challenge biases 

Finally, a number of you pledged to challenge your own biases. This is ongoing work. We all have assumptions shaped by our experiences and the world around us. Engaging with the resources above, following the Race Equality Charter work at the university, and taking part in discussions and training opportunities can help you reflect and grow.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to write a pledge. Race Equality Week may only last a few days, but the impact of your actions can last much longer. Let’s keep building on the momentum and continue working towards a campus where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.

Before you leave, take some time to read through all the pledges shared.