Power in Unity: A Sit-Down Interview with the African Caribbean Society
Interviewed by N/A Team
N/A Team: What’s the Story Behind You and the African Caribbean Society?
Zahra: The African Caribbean Society (ACS) at the University of St Andrews is all about celebrating and promoting the vibrant cultures of Africa and the Caribbean right here on campus. As a student-run group, we're really focused on creating a welcoming community for students from these regions and anyone else interested in engaging with the rich cultural heritage of Africa and the Caribbean. This space allows members to connect, share their experiences, and navigate life at university together, while also helping new students feel more at home when they arrive.
We put a lot of energy into educating and engaging the broader university community through a mix of cultural festivities, social gatherings, and educational events. These events often include celebrations of traditional music, dance, food, and fashion. We're always ready to talk about the big issues impacting African and Caribbean communities, both close to home and globally.
Beyond the fun and cultural celebration, ACS is here to support our members academically and professionally. We set up workshops, networking meetups, and invite alumni and professionals from African and Caribbean backgrounds to share their insights. It’s about giving our students the tools and inspiration they need to chase their academic and career dreams.
And, of course, Black History Month is a huge deal for us. It’s a time when we really shine, organizing events that not only honor the incredible contributions of African and Caribbean people throughout history but also prompt reflection on where we are today and where we’re headed in the future.
N/A: What role do student-led organizations, like the African Caribbean Society, play in reclaiming and amplifying Black voices on Campus?
Zahra: As academic institutions become increasingly diversity-focused, at the end of the day, they are profit-driven organizations, and with this being the end goal, EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) initiatives can be surface-level, and almost altruistic. Students come to university in search of a 2nd home, but we still hope that we don't have to leave the other part of ourselves at the door. Student groups create spaces where students can feel that their cultures, and their homes, are being recognised and celebrated. These are environments where our voices are centred and never corrupted by prejudices. ACS is in the work of amplifying black voices and listening and actioning their words.
N/A: How do you think St Andrews can better engage with Black history beyond token gestures, ensuring that it's integrated into the fabric of the institution?
Zahra: To engage meaningfully with Black history, St Andrews must go beyond surface-level gestures and commit to structural integration of Black perspectives within curricula, research, and institutional values. In my opinion, this includes revising subjects to include more diverse voices, creating permanent academic positions focused on African and Caribbean studies, and hosting regular lectures or events that address Black contributions to various fields. Engaging with Black history should be seen as essential to the university’s mission, not an optional add-on.
“Students come to university in search of a 2nd home, but we still hope that we don't have to leave the other part of ourselves at the door.”
N/A: In what ways does the African Caribbean Society engage with the local St Andrews community beyond the university? Are there initiatives or partnerships that you’ve developed outside of campus?
Zahra: The ACS isn't just active on campus; we reach out into the wider St Andrews community by forming partnerships with local organizations, schools, community groups, and even big corporations. We’re involved in everything from mentoring programs and cultural outreach events to collaborations with local businesses and charities that focus on diversity and inclusion. By linking up with the broader community, the ACS plays a key role in bridging gaps and fostering a mutual understanding between our students and the local residents. Everyone’s welcome to join in, and for those who might need a support system, ACS is here for them.
N/A: What do you think has been the most significant accomplishment of the African Caribbean Society in recent years? How do you measure the impact the society has on the student body and broader community?
Zahra: One of the most significant accomplishments of the ACS in recent years may be its success in increasing visibility for African and Caribbean cultures on campus through large-scale events such as our cultural showcases, UBUNTU, Black History Month activities, and academic discussions. The impact of the society is measured not only through increased membership but through its ability to influence campus-wide conversations about race and identity, as well as the feedback from our members who, when they join ACS and come to events they feel more empowered and supported.
“St Andrews is the first one where I feel as though I can ignite change, and be an activist for diversity and inclusion on campus.”
N/A: How has the experience of leading the St Andrews African Caribbean Society influenced your understanding of leadership and activism? Have any moments profoundly changed your perspective?
Zahra: I have gone to PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions) my entire life. St Andrews is the first one where I feel as though I can ignite change, and be an activist for diversity and inclusion on campus. I am forever grateful for this. My presence is resistance in itself. Academic institutions in the West were not created for Black people or a Black women in my case. And history can manifest in the modern day, I still feel the weight of history as I wander through the halls of this university. Being president has uplifted me through the systemic struggles of being a Black Woman in the West. It has shown me that amongst microaggressions and prejudice, I can still community build, and share knowledge and lead. St Andrews has a long way to go but it has given me a platform to transform the African Caribbean society into a society with power and leverage on campus. The opportunity has grown my confidence, I have met amazing people and it is something that has shaped me into the leader and activist I am today. For me, I feel my personal goals of being president are met, when younger students are coming to the committee for advice, asking us how to navigate this town, trusting us and the society.
N/A: Are there any cultural or social events that ACS has hosted which you feel particularly proud of in terms of amplifying African and Caribbean culture on campus? What made them stand out?
Zahra: The annual Panel of Power. It takes so much effort from the committee to plan, but it is so worth it. The name encapsulates the whole event. There are black people in the UK who have faced struggles and barriers, yet they are pioneers in their field, making change and harnessing power. It is inspiring for university students to hear them talk about their stories, to be in the same room as them, and to have a chance to talk to these people who have faced the same things we are going through. The event is open to all students. Everyone can learn from the speakers and their journeys.
N/A: What role does creativity—whether through music, art, or literature—play in the work that ACS does to celebrate African and Caribbean heritage? Are there any creative projects or collaborations that have been particularly meaningful to the society?
Zahra: Creativity is at the heart of everything we do at ACS. We use music, art, literature, and fashion to really bring African and Caribbean cultures to life. From cultural showcases and music nights to fashion shows and spoken word events, we love highlighting the richness of these traditions. This year, we're also putting together a video for Black History Month. It features the incredible work of Black students on our campus, and we're excited to release it on Sunday, October 6th.
“My presence is resistance in itself”
N/A: In your opinion, how does the conversation about Black identity differ in the UK compared to other parts of the world, and how does that shape the way African and Caribbean students experience life at St Andrews?
Zahra: In the UK, discussions about Black identity often revolve around integration, belonging, and addressing colonial history, which shapes how African and Caribbean students navigate life at St Andrews. This conversation differs from, say, the US, where race relations often have a different historical and social context, especially around systemic racism. However, the crossover is infinite, and once we all find ourselves in St Andrews, whether that be from the US, or Africa, our unique St Andrews experience is what ACS is here to validate.
“There are black people in the UK who have faced struggles and barriers, yet they are pioneers in their field, making change and harnessing power.”
N/A: How do you personally define success for the African Caribbean Society? Is it about growing membership, increasing visibility, or making deeper cultural changes on campus?
Zahra: Success for the ACS is a balance of growing membership, increasing visibility, and creating a meaningful cultural impact on campus. While numbers are important, deeper cultural change and fostering a stronger community are key markers of success. The black community in St. Andrews is small, I never expect large numbers, or a filled room, as long as the people feel seen and heard, that is really what is important. A goal I have is to get a wider student population involved in ACS and our discussions.
N/A: What advice would you give to future leaders of ACS who want to continue the work of reclaiming and amplifying Black voices at St Andrew's? What qualities do you think are most important in keeping the momentum going?
Zahra: Future ACS leaders should focus on amplifying Black voices with consistency, passion, and inclusivity. Key qualities include strong leadership, persistence, and the ability to create a safe space for cultural expression while continuing to push for visibility and influence on campus. Get to know the members on a personal level, and understand what the people want. Being personable has meant people feel comfortable talking to me or the committee about issues or dilemmas. Step out of the ACS bubble and get to know other student leaders on campus, and work together, in some cases, we are all fighting the same war.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own, and may not reflect the opinions of N/A Magazine. Posted October 4th 2024.
Edited by Ana Sunjka and Charlotte Plaskwa.