News / University of Bristol
Human rights activist awarded honorary degree from Bristol Uni
A social equality activist for has received an honorary degree from the University of Bristol after dedicating her life to the cause.
Alex Ardalan-Raikes is the director of Stand Against Racism & Inequality, a charity she joined after graduating from the University of Bristol 32 years ago.
On Friday, she walked across the same stage she did 32 years ago and told students: “Don’t be overwhelmed by this imperfect world – just do small things along the way that make the world a better place and work collaboratively to make a difference.”
is needed now More than ever
She walked the same stage she did 32 years ago when graduating from the university in the 1990s – photo: University of Bristol
Ardalan-Raikes, who grew up in Hampshire, said there were no other ethnic minority families in her village or school, and racism was part of her everyday life.
She went on to study social policy at the University of Bristol where she was taught to “never accept the status quo”.
“It was an inspirational course with a really diverse group of students,” Ardalan-Raikes said.
“They constantly challenged us, constantly questioned us. It was ahead of its time: I left with the ability to fight with the pen and the spoken word.”
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Now, SARI helps around 900 victims of hate crimes each year, as well as providing training, young offender reduction programmes, restorative justice and consultancy on equality and anti-racism.
At the degree ceremony, Bristol uni law professor Devyani Prabhat told the crowd that the charity leader had “immense experience in tackling racism and inequality.”
Prabhat added: “I am inspired by Alex’s message for all to get involved in anti-racism, anti-homophobia, anti-hate and to become changemakers in our communities.”
Ardalan-Raikes said she was “overjoyed” to receive the honorary degree, adding: “This university is such a big part of who I am today and what I’m doing.
“It empowered me beyond recognition. At Bristol University, for the first time, I felt like I belonged.”
Main photo: University of Bristol
Read next:
- Marvin Rees awarded honorary degree by Swansea University
- UWE Bristol photography graduates feature as part of the annual UWE degree show
- ‘Activism should be part of everyone’s lives’
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