MK College students help to create animated poem to challenge racism  

Five students from Milton Keynes College have taken part in a project to create an animated poem challenging the microaggressions experienced by young people from minoritised ethnic which is launching on Thursday 11th July.  

‘I Will Not be Silenced’ includes a poem and animation that were co-developed by the Student Commission on Racial Justice, which brings together students from nine colleges across England. The project was supported by poet Emeka Ejiofor and discusses the feelings of judgement and isolation caused by society’s double standards, microaggressions and negative stereotypes towards young people because of their race or religion. 

Now in its fifth year, the Commission brings the voices of thousands of young people to the debate about racial justice in England.  

In 2024 The Student Commission on Racial Justice explored racial disparities in education across 5 key areas: teaching and learning; support, safety and wellbeing; events, social life and college culture; world of work and aspiration; and complaints structure and process. 

The Student Commissioners have developed national recommendations for change that were delivered to decision-makers at a showcase event on Thursday 23rd May 2024. They have also worked directly with their colleges to implement changes that impact the college and local community. 

Muhammad Abker, student at Milton Keynes College, commented: “I hope that this project will support students at my college to feel free and that they can speak up and speak out. I hope that wider society allows people to feel seen and do everything without challenge”. 

Arv Kaushal, Head of People Development and EDI at Milton Keynes College Group commented: “It’s been a complete privilege to be involved again with the Student Commission on Racial Justice alongside numerous other colleges and learners. This was the second year of MK College Group’s involvement, with another five student commissioners who have been on an amazing journey, developing their understanding of racial justice, and how they can use their voice to be part of the solution at the college. 

“’I Will Not Be Silenced’ is a thought-provoking and powerful piece, created and performed by all the student commissioners from across our partner colleges on the programme. A huge well done to everyone involved, including the staff and students from MK College.” 

You can view the film from the Student Commissioners here I Will Not Be Silenced (Student Commission on Racial Justice 2024) (youtube.com)