Black professors, Eric Huntley’s legacy and a mother’s fight for care
Plus: Alex Lathbridge awarded British Science Association fellowship
Hi everyone,
This week’s round up of news brings you a mix of recognition, accountability and community-led action.
The death of pioneering publisher Eric Huntley, just breaking as we went to press, comes amid a string of recent losses of Black icons, from mathematician Dr Gladys West to reggae great Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore.
Alongside this, we highlight new data exposing racial disparities in academia and continue our exclusive coverage of police conduct.
As Black Current News is now read across five continents, we’re grateful to also be recognised this week with a Trailblazer Award shortlist nod for writing excellence.
As ever, thank you for reading and supporting independent Black journalism. Let’s go!
Good news
Science communicator Alex Lathbridge recognised with British Science Association fellowship
Musician and broadcaster YolanDa Brown appointed patron for Newcastle United Foundation
Black Current News recognised as founder shortlisted for UK Black Comms Network Trailblazer Award
Mural hopes to inspire future construction workers
British journalist Alexis Akwagyiram recognised for shaping how Africa is reported to the world
Eric Huntley, pioneering Black British publisher and activist, dies
Eric Huntley, a pioneering publisher and central figure in Black British cultural and political life, has died aged 96.
Alongside his late wife Jessica Huntley, he co-founded Bogle L’Ouverture Publications, a landmark bookshop and press established in 1968.
Their work helped shape Black British literature, political education and grassroots organising for generations. The pair were what you’d call a “power couple”! May they rest in peace.
Black academics remain locked out of UK professorships, new data suggests
Black people make up just 250 of the UK’s 25,000 professors, despite decades of diversity pledges. New data obtained via FOI requests exposes persistent underrepresentation across London’s universities.
Campaigners say the figures expose a failure not of talent, but of opportunity and institutional will.
NHS nurse reinstated after disciplinary case linked to pronoun dispute
An NHS nurse, Jennifer Melle, suspended following a dispute with a transgender patient has been reinstated after a disciplinary hearing.
The case stemmed from a May 2024 incident in which the nurse was racially abused after addressing the patient as “Mr”, with the trust later issuing her a written warning. The trust also warned the patient that racist and threatening behaviour would not be tolerated and found no breach of confidentiality.
Exclusive | Metropolitan Police apologise after error led to five officers forcefully detaining Black father in front of his children
The Metropolitan Police have apologised after footage, highlighted by Black Current News, showed a Black father being forcefully detained in front of his two young children in south London.
The force has also referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following the incident, which took place on 8 January. Read full report here.
London mother turns grief into campaign for better bereavement care
Shakira Dixon Williams, a London-based mum whose twins died, is campaigning for improved bereavement care for parents experiencing baby loss.
Following the deaths of her sons, she has joined Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, to push for better support within the NHS.
Her campaign highlights gaps in care faced by grieving families and the need for consistent, compassionate bereavement services.
What else we’re reading
Jay Abatan: vigil planned for man killed in racist attack 27 years ago
Educational background key indicator of immigration views in UK, study finds
Dr Gladys West, the Black American mathematician whose work underpinned modern GPS technology, has died aged 95
Incoming Archbishop of Canterbury defends £100m slavery reparations fund despite opposition
Noel Clarke declared bankrupt after losing sexual misconduct libel case
Officer cleared after Taser incident left 61-year-old with life-changing injuries
Black Thrive UK has launched a community event for queer young people of colour called Next Gen Black LGBT+ Futures
Specialist sickle cell unit at Royal London Hospital faces closure as 25,000 back petition first reported by Black Current News
Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, co-founder and musical director of Third World, passes away
Where we’ve been
We attended the 45th anniversary memorial service marking the New Cross Fire, held on Sunday 18 January in Brockley, South London. The service honoured the 14 young people who lost their lives as a result of the 1981 tragedy, reflecting on the enduring impact of the fire on Black communities and the ongoing calls for justice
On Monday, BET UK invited us to a private screening of its new docuseries Mission Motherland, followed by a Q&A in London. The series explores identity, heritage and belonging through the personal histories of high-profile Black British figures. Stream it here
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