BBC Sussex radio host Kamilah McInnes

Last Friday, Bud Johnston, Project Lead for Black at Sussex, was invited to the BBC Sussex studios to talk all things Black at and in Sussex with Sussex alumna radio host Kamilah McInnis. They discussed where it’s come from, where it’s going, and why it matters.

Broadcasting live to a vibrant local audience, Bud shared the heart of the initiative – a five-year programme dedicated to celebrating Black staff, students, alumni, and community partners at the University of Sussex. From archiving lived experiences to reshaping campus culture, Black at Sussex is about more than events. It’s about legacy. It’s about belonging. It’s about Black joy, care, and transformation within higher education.

In the interview, Bud reflected on the ongoing importance of creating space for Black voices and the role of collaboration with local organisations. The two also touched on upcoming projects and ways that Black at Sussex is building bridges between past, present and future generations of Black students.

Listeners got a behind-the-scenes look at how the initiative is steered, how students and staff are shaping its direction, and how everyone – whether at Sussex or in the wider Brighton & Hove community – can get involved.

If you missed it, you can listen to a recording of the interview which is available until Sunday 4 May.