On the 23rd of October 2024, the Caribbean and African Health Network’s (CAHN) Community Empowerment and Advocacy Team collaborated with the University of Salford SU team for Black History Month to coordinate a Legal Panel event for students and the community. We brought together legal professionals thriving in their various fields to discuss their journey, offer tips and answer questions from the student body.
We had a sit down with Oluwasola Adesulu from CAHN and Ahmad Ali from the SU to discuss all things BHM and highlights from the event.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Oluwasola Adesulu (CAHN):
Professionally, it is an opportunity to highlight and champion the work we do within CAHN and showcase the impact it has to stakeholders.
Personally, I think what BHM means to individuals can vary every year. This year, I took time to reflect on the remarkable achievements of iconic individuals of African and Caribbean descent, recognising their contributions in paving the way for those who would love to follow in their footsteps across various sectors.
Ahmad Ali (Salford SU):
BHM holds deep personal and professional significance for me. As someone from a minority background, it is a time to honour and celebrate the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and immense contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It provides an essential opportunity to reflect on the progress made and recognise the ongoing struggles for equality and justice.
You approached the Union to host the BHM Legal Panel Event. What does this event mean to you?
Oluwasola Adesulu (CAHN):
Education is widely proven to be a social determinant of health. The BHM Legal Panel engagement was an effort to contribute to equality of opportunity aims and objectives within the sector. We coordinated a forum for students to interact with successful professionals in the legal industry on topics such as careers and the professional’s pathway. These forums encourage best practice on course – contributing to student success; it also allows for these students to utilise these professional connections for career opportunities in the future – contributing to progression. I am also an advocate for Higher Education and the numerous benefits it can bring to individuals. Coordinating this event with the Salford Student Union was an opportunity to further this advocacy.
CAHN approached you to facilitate the BHM Legal Panel Event. What does the event mean to you as an officer?
Ahmad Ali (Salford SU):
Facilitating the BHM Legal Panel Event with CAHN was incredibly significant to me as an officer. This event not only emphasized the importance of legal awareness but also showcased the achievements of professionals from historically underrepresented communities. It served as a strong source of motivation for me and encouraged students with similar backgrounds to aim high and excel. Having role models who reflect their experiences and aspirations is so impactful, and this event reinforced my commitment to creating spaces where diverse voices and achievements can inspire future success.
What are some of your aims in strengthening widening participation and EDI in the work that you do?
Oluwasola Adesulu (CAHN):
We have opportunities for members of the public interested in the work of advocacy to volunteer with us; this can include students – whether you are on a law degree or studying other courses. If this is an opportunity you are interested in, please email volunteering@cahn.org.uk and indicate your interest in the Community Empowerment and Advocacy team. Also, we currently offer placements for social work students within the department, enabling them to complete the necessary practice education aspect of their course. A successful placement earns these students a pass, which contributes to student success, one of the aims of widening participation.
Ahmad Ali (Salford SU):
As part of my work, one of my key aims in strengthening widening participation and EDI is to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, feel a true sense of belonging at Salford. I'm actively working on the Allyship Programme in collaboration with the
university’s EDI team, which is designed to empower students and staff to support each other, promote inclusivity, and challenge any form of discrimination. Additionally, as part of my officer priorities this year, I’m committed to fostering an environment where every student feels valued and supported, both academically and socially. Strengthening widening participation is central to this, and I aim to ensure that underrepresented groups have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed at Salford.
What was your key takeaway from the BHM Legal Panel Event, and could you share something you will want readers to remember from this event?
Oluwasola Adesulu (CAHN):
A key highlight for me from the event is the collaboration that was developed over the last 3 months between the university, the Students’ Union and the CAHN’s CE&A team that allowed the event to happen. It was a true team effort. We had input from the university’s alumni team, members of student societies, staff members of the Salford Business School, and more. The engagement panellists had with the students was refreshing to see – after the event, we saw a high level of engagement from attendees on social media sharing how impactful the event was for them.
If there is one thing I want readers to remember from this event, it will be: Giving back through empowerment – whether this is community, student or legal empowerment – is a great way to create impact in local spaces. This, in a nutshell, was what this legal panel engagement was about.
You can get in touch with the CAHN Community Empowerment and Advocacy Team by contacting this email: advocacy@cahn.org.uk