Queen Mary University of London final year Law student, Buki, recently completed our inaugural summer ‘immersion’ mobility programme. Discover more about Buki’s amazing experiences below.

This August, I had the privilege of being the first Queen Mary student to participate in a short-term exchange programme at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Spelman College is a historically Black, all-women’s liberal arts college and stands as the top ranked HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in the United States.

This short-term exchange was made possible by the London Links Inc., a chapter of The Links Incorporated, which is a social and service organisation comprised of prominent Black Women. The London Links facilitated my connection with the Magnolia Links Chapter, whose warm welcome started from the airport, where I was greeted with American flags and kindly escorted by them to my new home for the next two weeks!

My first day on the Spelman Campus was one I will never forget. A Spelmanite (Spelman student) provided me with a tour of the campus, sharing the College’s founding history, cherished traditions, and a few key lessons. Among these lessons there was a vital one: “Spelman girls do not cut corners” – meaning we absolutely must not walk on the grass! This exchange programme opened doors to a new academic curriculum. I attended classes such as ‘The Education of Black Girls’ which delved into the distinction between education and schooling and how our social education shapes us beyond a classroom. This is a critical area of study as how we are socialised determines our beliefs, our development, and our perceived self-worth. This was the perfect introduction to Spelman’s academic environment. This is just one class where the Black female experience is integrated into the curriculum and where my lived experience was shared and discussed in a safe space.

Beyond the academic aspect, visiting Spelman gave me the opportunity to make new friendships and feel the strong sense of sisterhood that permeates the campus. The campus is in the Atlanta University Centre where you will find a plethora of events that display the HCBU culture. For example, I had the chance to participate in line dances and watch the sororities and fraternities perform their impressive step routines at the annual Welcome Back Jam. This was an entirely unique experience for me, as there are no HBCUs in the UK, and witnessing these cultural moments was truly beautiful.

Thanks to the efforts of the Magnolia Links, there was never a dull moment during my two weeks. They organised a wide range of activities, allowing me to immerse myself in the culture and expand my career prospects through networking. One particularly noteworthy encounter was with Judge Abudu, the first Black female judge to serve on the United States Court of Appeals Eleventh circuit. I was honoured to be the first guest invited to her chambers and to be a part of this historical moment. As a law student, her insights into her career journey, including the challenges she faced, left me with valuable lessons that will guide me on my path as a lawyer.  

Due to my interest in medical racism, I also had the privilege of meeting Dr Montgomery Rice, the president of the Morehouse Medical School. Our discussion revolved around the overrepresentation of Black Women in maternal mortality rates and potential strategies to address this issue. I was pleased to learn of the positive work that Dr Montgomery Rice has done in this field, and I am excited to make similar contributions of my own in the future.

I had the pleasure of attending a service at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr once preached. The service was a moving experience, with a captivating choir performance. During the service, I was welcomed to the church by the Pastor and received well wishes from the church’s members. Afterward, I had the privilege of receiving a guided tour of the church and its grounds from the building’s architect. Adjacent to the church is the Martin Luther King Centre for Non-Violence, where I had the opportunity to explore and reflect upon the powerful speeches of Dr. King, which were prominently displayed throughout the grounds. I also paid my respects at his memorial site, a truly humbling experience.

Another highlight of my visit was the dinner at Paschal’s, a soul food restaurant with strong ties to the Civil Rights Movement. This memorable dinner was organised by the Magnolia Links, providing me with the chance to meet some of the organisation’s members. They very kindly brought me many gifts and souvenirs that will remind me of my amazing time in America.

Overall, my exchange trip was an extraordinary experience. Meeting so many accomplished Black women, especially as I approach my final year of studies, has provided me with a clear vision of my future and the motivation I need to achieve my goals. I am profoundly grateful to the London Links for creating this opportunity and to the Magnolia Links for their warm welcome and boundless positivity. My gratitude also extends to Spelman College for affording me the chance to be surrounded by like-minded Black women on a shared journey.