The University of Kent has been formally recognised for its support of championing diversity, receiving an accolade from Medway African and Caribbean Association (MACA).
MACA, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting an awareness of African and Caribbean Culture through arts, educational and social programmes in Kent and Medway, awarded Kent a Diversity Award at its annual award ceremony on Saturday 23 October.
Kent has been working with MACA through public engagement activities, including exhibitions and events (organised and supported by former Student Success Manager in Natural Sciences Dave Thomas, and Dr Barbara Adewumi from the Student Success Central Team) highlighting the huge contribution that Black people have made to the economic, cultural and political life of Kent and Medway. Joint activities between the University of Kent and MACA also include seminars on hate crime, a regional conference on knife crime, and hustings for Police and Crime Commissioner elections and an open lecture by Martin Forde QC on the Windrush scandal followed by a private dinner at the Commissioner’s House hosted by VC Karen Cox and the Historic Dockyard Trust.
Professor Alex Stevens, Director of Public Engagement and External Relations in LSSJ division has been working with colleagues and MACA to boost awareness of the work that the Association is doing. Barbara, a member and supporter of MACA went along to receive the award with William Collier Strategic Lead for Medway and presented MACA awards for the category of Education. Professor Stevens said: ‘We are delighted to win the Diversity Award this year. The work that MACA is doing for the benefit of its members and the wider community is making a real difference, and we are proud to be working with them to drive this further.’ Carol Stewart, Chairperson of MACA, said: ‘Kent has always been supportive and proactive’.