Meet Leah Grey and James Campbell, Chemical Engineering staff giving their raw take on this year's Black History Month theme, 'Reclaiming Narratives'.

Leah Grey, Administration and Staffing Manager

"Reclaiming narratives, to me, means taking back the power and reshaping the stories that have previously been told about black people, but not necessarily by us.

Throughout school, we are often presented with key black historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr or Rosa Parks and whilst they have been immensely instrumental to the development of black people, there are so many influential black unsung heroes amongst us that aren't famous.

Like, our grandparents.

Many of us have had the absolute honour of being raised by senior family members from the Windrush generation... Leah Grey Administration and Staffing Manager

Many of us have had the absolute honour of being raised by senior family members from the Windrush generation, and that type of influence on society, and on us, simply cannot be measured or put into words.

And whilst it feels almost criminal that our school years are dedicated to being taught only the tip of the iceberg of our past, it’s amazing to have the knowledge that there are many other layers to black history and, equally as important, the future.

I am a parent now.

I want my son and future generations to know they can do anything they set their mind to, script their own narratives and break through all barriers.

And, although my son is only aged 2, I plan to teach him that outside of role models and paying homage to those who walked so he can run, real impact and heroism can also be found within".

About Leah
Leah Grey is the Administration and Staffing Manager with the Department of Chemical Engineering. She has worked at Imperial College London for almost eight years, starting her Imperial career at the Faculty of Medicine before moving across to Chemical Engineering. Outside of work Leah enjoys spending time with family, a good Netflix series and spicy margaritas (preferably on a beach!).

Dr James Campbell, Senior Teaching Fellow

"Since this is the British Black History Month, for me, reclaiming narratives is about ensuring time and space is given specifically to black British history and its importance in the UK. 

The Bristol Bus Boycott can teach us a lot about migration, changing industrial patterns, workers' rights, and beyond.

The Bristol Bus Boycott can teach us a lot about migration, changing industrial patterns, workers' rights, and beyond. Dr James Campbell Senior Teaching Fellow

There are plenty of great books (e.g. Here to Stay, Here to Fight), films (Small Axe) and exhibitions (War Inna Babylon) on black British history, civil rights and resistance movements that I have read and seen.

This is how I have learnt the majority of information about black British History.

But there is still plenty that I wish I knew about.

To truly reclaim narratives in the UK, black British historical figures must become household names like their American counterparts".

About James
James is a Senior Teaching Fellow with the Department of Chemical Engineering. Outside of work, if James isn’t looking after his two children he will be watching Arsenal games.