On Friday 25^th of November, Isaac (the current ACS president) and I (Bella Frimpong) made our way to London to attend our first ever NUS conference. As first time delegates, we were quite unsure what to expect; however, our brilliant Community and Welfare president Alexa Webster made sure to put us in contact with a few other delegates and therefore we had the chance to feel a little more prepared by speaking to them prior to our arrival.

I was looking forward to this conference as I have become more and more involved with FXU and wanted to engage with the student union movement further. The Black Students Campaign was one that I was instantly attracted not only due to how I identify but mostly because I was looking forward to finally finding a space where I could discuss and gather ideas from people similar to me. From the very first moments we arrived, the environment was nothing more than welcoming. A large majority of delegates were long time delegates and sabbatical officers at their respective institutions; yet there was an overwhelming sense of equality amongst us all. It was really encouraging to witness the achievements of people like me: be it the first ever black sabbatical officer at a particular university or the initiation of a decolonised curriculum at another. I was further encouraged by the support I receive when talking about my background and positions at the university in Cornwall: everyone was essentially rooting for each other and myself.

It was rather interesting how intensely political the atmosphere became, following the first panel. It was at this stage that the contentious subject of political blackness came up. I knew about said topic prior to my arrival, however I hadn’t fully grasped the scope to which the NUS exploited this term. I was never one for the homogenisation of minorities, and following the conference I remain unconvinced. I do however believe in the unity and solidarity between minority and marginalised groups. Other than this tension which justified the questionable speakers on the panels, I thoroughly appreciate the NUS’ attempt to be inclusive and to listen to the wants of the membership by allowing us to have a discussion on the subject.

Picture: Isaac Chukwumah – ACS President

I truly enjoyed this experience, I got to meet inspiring people who were similar to myself. Most importantly, I was able to gain so much insight and knowledge of campaigns, events and activities which I could implement here at Penryn Campus. Ultimately, I wanted to go gather information as to how I could make a difference for people like myself in my community in Cornwall: I can proudly say that this box has been ticked. I am now brimming with ideas for the next academic term- from mental health campaigns for people of colour to diversifying LGBTQA+ spaces. I look forward to making these ideas a reality.

The NUS Black Students' Winter Conference 2016 was a great platform to discuss issues faced by black students & the black community as a whole. As "muted" as it may seem, discrimination still exists and must be addressed to truly celebrate & promote diversity. With an emphasis on intersectionality, the conference promoted a focusing of multiple efforts to combat discrimination as a whole. From various panel sessions, sharing of ideas and group discussions, delegates were inspired and provoked to think of the most effective ways to combat discrimination on their individual campuses. Following the conference, we the FXU representatives have been actively thinking of engaging and effective ways to make our campuses more accepting for all groups of people.

Signed : Bella Frimpong & Isaac Chukwumah