The loss of Professor Jason has Arday has been felt deeply across our community. I write this not only as your representative, but as a Black Student and as someone who is part of this very community that is grieving.
Over the past few days, I have seen and heard just how deeply this news has affected students. For many of us, Professor Arday’s presence in academia meant something far beyond an individual achievement. Representation matters and seeing a Black academic reach spaces where we remain significantly underrepresented gave many students something to hold onto.
His work, his visibility and the conversations he helped bring into higher education around race, inequality, education and belonging have had an impact that will continue beyond his lifetime.
There is also no single way that our community will experience this loss. Some students may be grieving deeply. Others may feel shocked, angry, unsettled or simply need space to process what has happened. Whatever that looks like for you, please know that you do not have to sit with those feelings alone.
You can access free mental health support 24/7 from TalkCampus, a global supportive community which operates in 26 languages.
You can also find further information, guidance and support for your mental health and wellbeing (and with life events and study) through the OU Help Centre.
As your REACH (BAME) Representative, I will continue working with the University and Student Union to make sure that the impact this has had on our students is recognised and that our community is properly supported.
But more than anything, I want us to remember to look after one another.
The community is grieving, and together as a community we hold each other. Professor Jason Arday’s work, impact and representation will continue to inspire those coming behind him, particularly Black students and academics who deserve to know that they belong in these spaces too.
Rest in power, Professor Jason Arday.