Advancing Race Equity and Celebrating Black History Month: A relay race, not a marathon

Posted on: 12 October 2023 by Carl Larsen in October 2023 posts

Dr Carl Larsen is a Lecturer in the School of Life Sciences and has organised multiple events this year to promote race equity at the University of Liverpool. For Black History Month 2023, he put together an exhibit in the Harold Cohen Library about Henrietta Lacks amongst many other activities.

I have been involved in race equity in Higher Education, in one form or another, since the mid-1990s. In a world that increasingly recognises the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice, universities play a crucial role in shaping the minds and attitudes of future leaders. The University of Liverpool is dedicated to promoting race equity and fostering an inclusive environment, and I have received great support in helping them make this happen. 

As the father of three dual heritage children and partner of a Black African British woman, I have been given a shared lived experience of what it’s like growing up in a majority white society. Many of these experiences are positive and I am privileged to be part of Black culture. Others are heartbreaking and I feel ashamed of the society we live in. I don’t want my kids to have to fight to get on in life in order to reach their full potential. 

Since joining the University in 2017, I have quietly worked away at building small communities to help me with this work. I have led on a number of initiatives including ‘Inclusivity library exhibits’. These cover intersectionality, scientific racism, and mental health. Our Henrietta Lacks exhibit is currently on display in the Harold Cohen Library. One of my proudest achievements was earlier this year when I ran the Black Science Bootcamp with my colleague Amal Abdulkadir. We hosted 55 Black year 10 students from Liverpool schools for two days of science and careers and will support them with their university applications. 

Key to the success of these initiatives is the partnership between students and staff, acknowledging that students are an invaluable force in driving change. That said, it is crucial to ensure that the emotional burden of this work does not fall on the students. The collaborative efforts, training, and payment for their contributions signify a balanced approach, empowering students while maintaining a duty of care.