Samiat Olayide

Global Ambassador; and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Advisory Panel volunteer

Celebrating Black History Month is so important to help make students like me feel like they’re in an environment that recognises them and celebrates them. It helps make students feel like they’re part of a community that wants them, appreciates them and encourages them.

I’m incredibly grateful I chose Edge Hill University. I was really nervous when I got here because there weren’t as many international students. But Edge Hill went to a lot of effort to make sure we found each other, found our people, as well as making sure we blended with the local students here.

I wanted to join the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Advisory Panel to help the University continue to support people like me and celebrating Black History Month definitely does that.

Speaking on behalf of all the different cultures and nationalities at Edge Hill, the support always feels very intentional, not just point scoring. We feel the sincerity of it.

BHM 2023 personal highlight

I was thrilled to help curate the H.A.I.R. photography exhibition which celebrates the power of Black hair throughout history. I can’t wait to see it on display as part of the Cultural Festival.