
Natalie Tharraleos caught up with Mr Dwayne Hutchinson Owner, Founder and CEO of AccomplishBCEL®, about the inspiration behind an event honouring the memory of Stephen Lawrence. The event will take place at Leeds University on April 23rd and aimed to expand opportunities for people from the black community.
Natalie: This event looks amazing. Can you tell us about it, and the motivation behind it?
Dwayne: “Some of the jobs that people can venture into after studying law include lawyers, judges, solicitors, criminal Justice advocates, accountants, mediators, and politicians to name just a few.
“Myself and Dr Nick Cartwright, Associate Professor in Law at the University of Leeds will be discussing how the School of Law and the Black Community can work in collaboration with each other. This event is totally free and includes free food. It is suitable for all ages, and is a multi-generational event. Yes, even the youngest children need to hear what careers they can do when they are older.
“The event is will recognise Stephen Lawrence Day, which is officially observed on the 22nd April every year. This year marks the 31st anniversary since his death.
“The motivation behind the event came from discussions between myself and Dr Nick Cartwright, an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Leeds, around Black Students at University and their Law department. The word Law often has negative associations for people of ethnic origin, so we want to address this and show a variety of positive correlations and connections between the Law School and the black community.”
Natalie: What are you hoping might come out of this collaboration with the school of law?
Dwayne: “My hope is that there will be a new relationship formed between the University and the Afro-Caribbean community both in the UK and abroad. Sometimes, the relationship between universities and the local communities can be detached and completely separate from each other so I am hoping this collaboration will help to open doors to building stronger relationships between the university, the black community and our allies.”
Natalie: Do you have any data about the representation of people from culturally diverse backgrounds in this field at the moment?
Dwayne: The Solicitors Regulation Authority states that black lawyers make up 3% of the total number of lawyers. This represents a 1% increase since 2014 and now reflects those in employment in the UK (3%).”
“It is great to hear that there has been an increase in the amount of Black Lawyers in the UK; however, 3% is still a low percentage, and the numbers need to increase. There are many more statistics that continuously show disproportionate figures about people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds. This is just one example of the disparity in the representation of people from various ethnicities.”
Natalie: Can you tell us a bit about the advantages of intergenerational events?
Dwayne : “A generational community is built on several generations existing at the same time and helping each other to go through life together including grandparents, parents, uncles, aunties, children, cousins, nephews, nieces and other relatives.
“If we only focus on one generation for events we can exclude the vital experience, knowledge and wisdom of the other generations who may have answers to our situations. Yes, there is a great need for events that focus on specific generations at times, but when we are addressing historical, ongoing issues between the law and the black community, hearing from people of all ages can truly bring greater understanding of the problems and barriers at hand. It also allows us to look at how they can be addressed to make a positive and lasting difference in today’s society, and for the future generations.
Natalie: If people are anxious about stepping into this world and facing discrimination, where would you recommend they go for support and encouragement?
Dwayne: “I would recommend that people unite together with other people who have experienced discrimination.
“Sometimes, speaking with friends and family who are from a different background or ethnicity can be a great support and encouragement as well. Some people have no idea what it feels like to face discrimination, so speaking to them about what you might be going through can help to educate them and provide them with another way of how they can be there as support for you too. There are many steps to facing discrimination, but I would say to start with at least these first two steps.”
Editor’s note: . For anyone seeking a place for support with experiences of racial discrimination outside of their family and friends network please visit: https://doinggoodleeds.org.uk/networks-forums/culturally-diverse-hub/ . Organisations such as the Racial Justice Network or Hope Not Hate can also be a good source of information and support
Natalie: What message do you have for anyone dreaming about taking one of the career paths mentioned?
Dwayne: “Remember that every degree and every career pathway is also available for people from the black community. Never forget this truth.”
Natalie: Is this a one-off event or can we expect more?
Dwayne: “The School of Law and the Black Community will be the first event that I’ve co-produced with the University of Leeds, so we will see where we go from here.
“I regularly develop and host events in Leeds, relating to the black community and for all ethnicities. In 2023, we did fifteen black culture-related events that are multigenerational, alongside working with schools, colleges and universities in Leeds. It was an insightful learning experience for all of us. In 2024, I am looking forward to hosting more events in the City of Leeds and as always, all ethnicities are welcome. “

This event is now fully booked, but please sign up if you’d like to be on the waiting list https://bit.ly/TheSchoolofLawandtheBlackCommunity
You can follow Dwayne at AccomplishBCEL®️ on Eventbrite for more upcoming events, for all ethnicities: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/accomplishbcel-42757269343
Instagram and Twitter: @AccomplishBCEL