Longford student leading campaign for introduction of ‘Black Studies’ module

The Cumann Staire (History Society) at UG is also backing the campaign and Eric outlined, “All it takes is a glance at the diversity of the student body at University of Galway, and then another at the inaccurate reflection of this in the academic material taught in various courses, despite the ample academic contributions from ethnic minority thinkers, for one to see the need for a Black Studies module.”

He added, “As president of the African and Caribbean Society, I have heard countless stories from Black students about how their stories are often told from a Western paradigm and that texts ascribed about Africa are ones written by people not based in or from Africa, this is a slap in the face of the unfathomably large body of work produced by countless great Black intellectuals across time.”

According to The African and Caribbean Society and Cumann Staire (History Society), there is a gaping absence of any substantive dedication to the bountiful academic, intellectual, and philosophical contributions of Black people from across the world in the academic corpus of the University; with students of African and Caribbean descent usually having to settle for reading texts in which their cultural story is told by people who don’t share in their cultural background.

In a joint statement, they said, “This is not good enough for a modern, diverse academic institution and a Black Studies module would be a major step in the right direction, in correcting this anomaly - and in allowing for students, no matter their race, to have a better cultural understanding of their peers from diverse backgrounds.

“The University of Galway is ranked in the top 2% of universities across the world, alongside renowned institutions such as Harvard University, and University of Oxford; both of which share in the fact that they have a Black Studies module. At home in Ireland, UG is amongst the best academic institutions in the country, in community with universities such as Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin; two of these institutions being ones that also offer a Black Studies module.

“We believe it is imperative for UG, in light of its calibre and its ‘international’ character, to offer a Black Studies module to its diverse range of students.

"This will go a long way in enlightening students about the long line of academic contributions from great Black figures, Black history, and the cultures of various Black communities; minimise the potential of ignorance-inspired prejudice arising; and reflect the values that the University has committed to in its Race Equality Framework and Action Plan.’

“This year marks 20 years since Nelson Mandela visited the University of Galway to be conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Laws.

"To celebrate this anniversary, the University is holding ‘Mandela Week’ to highlight the importance of fighting racism and promoting the principles of equality that Mandela championed.

“Madiba knew that one of the key ways of challenging racial discrimination is through education. This is exactly what a Black Studies module provides - the type of education that can allow Black students to see themselves in the curriculum and that ensures that their peer students gain a better cultural understanding of others background and of the diverse, interconnected world we live in.”