University of Brighton partners with BARCO to advance community equity and inclusion
The University of Brighton has launched a new partnership with Black Anti-Racism Community Organisation to strengthen cultural connections and community engagement across the city.
A meaningful new collaboration is set to strengthen ties between higher education and the local community in Brighton. The University of Brighton has joined forces with the Black Anti-Racism Community Organisation (BARCO), a Black-led group dedicated to tackling racism and celebrating Black culture through education, advocacy and collective care.
A shared vision for community belonging
The year-long partnership reflects a mutual commitment to advancing equity and inclusion across the city. Professor Kene Igweonu, deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Brighton, described the collaboration as an important step in strengthening the university's work with Brighton to advance equity, inclusion and community belonging.
"As a university, we are committed to addressing differential outcomes and ensuring all our students have the opportunity to thrive," Professor Igweonu said. "Working with a trusted, Brighton-based, Black-led organisation like BARCO helps us to build deeper relationships, listen more carefully and develop more effective and lasting solutions."
Celebrating culture and community
A prominent feature of the partnership will be the University of Brighton's involvement in BARCO's flagship BASH Carnival, an annual celebration of Black culture that draws thousands of visitors from across the south coast. The university will support and engage with this vibrant community event, creating opportunities for students and staff to contribute to and help shape one of the city's most important cultural celebrations.
Beyond the carnival, both organisations will collaborate on a range of initiatives designed to deepen community connections. These include Black History Month activities, community support sessions, and listening and reflection spaces to strengthen dialogue between the university and Black communities. There will also be wider opportunities for students and staff to engage with BARCO-led initiatives throughout the year.
Building lasting change
Bud Johnston, co-founder of BARCO, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership's potential. "This partnership reflects a shared goal: to help create a city where everyone feels represented, connected and able to thrive," Johnston said. "For BARCO, it's an exciting opportunity to build stronger links between the University of Brighton and the wider community, while celebrating Black culture, supporting local voices and creating lasting positive change."
While the agreement is set for one year, both the University of Brighton and BARCO are hopeful that the collaboration will evolve into a longer-term partnership, deepening their work together and expanding the positive impact across Brighton and Hove.
This partnership exemplifies how local institutions and community organisations can work together to foster inclusion, celebrate diversity, and ensure that all residents feel valued and supported within our city.
Source: University joins forces with anti-racism group on community work