The Black Cantabs Research Society



The exhibition, which runs until December 22, 2018, has been organised by Surer Mohamed, President of the Black Cantabs Research Society, in partnership with Cambridge University Library.

When Surer was deciding which college to apply to, she came across an image of Njoki Wamai on the website of Queens College.

“The reason why I applied to Queens College was because I saw Njoki on the website,” she said. “I saw myself at Queens because I saw someone like myself at Queens.”



Soon after, Surer became President of the Black Cantabs Research Society, founded by Njoki and others in 2015. The Society came about as a student-led response to the lack of information about black alumni of the University.

Surer Mohamed pictured with the portrait of Errollyn Wallen at Cambridge University Library. Image: Sir Cam Surer Mohamed pictured with the portrait of Errollyn Wallen at Cambridge University Library. Image: Sir Cam

Now made up of students, staff and alumni, the Society’s aim is that current and future generations of black students in Cambridge won’t feel loneliness and isolation because they will have a site of information that provides evidence black people’s long history of attending the University.

The result, is a body of research that fills a gap in the University’s history and adds to the development of a more inclusive culture.



Some of the discovered stories of Cambridge’s black students include that of Lt. David Louis Clemetson, who was one of the only black officers serving in the British Army during the First World War.

Born in Jamaica, Clemetson studied Law at Trinity before enlisting in the army during World War 1. He is thought to be the only black man to reach the rank of full lieutenant during the war, but was tragically killed in action in 1918, less than two months before the Armistice.



Another Jamaican, Gloria Carpenter, is thought to be the first black woman to have graduated from the University. She studied Law at Girton College in 1945 and became a prominent social reformer, playing an instrumental role in the foundation of the Law Faculty of the University of West Indies in Jamaica.



Surer said: “This is not only an opportunity to uncover an aspect of Cambridge’s history, but also presents the opportunity to integrate these important stories into Cambridge’s image of itself, creating a legacy.”



University Librarian Dr Jessica Gardner said: “There are many firsts along these walls – the first black scholar, black officer, black woman to have a composition played at the Proms.

"This exhibition is another first for the University Library. We are broadening access and inviting all members of the public deeper inside the heart of the Library for the first time. This is in line with our vision of making this a truly accessible and welcoming space."

Surer Mohamed and Cambridge University Librarian Dr Jessica Gardner with the portrait of Francis Williams, believed by some to be the first black student to attend the university. Image: Sir Cam Surer Mohamed and Cambridge University Librarian Dr Jessica Gardner with the portrait of Francis Williams, believed by some to be the first black student to attend the university. Image: Sir Cam

The exhibition is running with the full support of the University, as part of its renewed commitment to creating a more equal and inclusive environment, promoting dignity, respect and a sense of belonging for all.



Cambridge African Caribbean Society President Toni Fola-Alade praised the exhibition and its focus on the legacies of black Cambridge alumni. He said: “Black Cantabs have been tirelessly documenting the black experience at Cambridge for years and it’s great to see this level of exposure been given to the project.



“It’s important that the histories of Black students at the University are being showcased and we look forward to interacting with their legacies.”

