£6,000 award empowers Leicester’s Black and Mixed Heritage students to embRACE study

A new award that aims to empower Black and Mixed Heritage students to flourish at the University of Leicester has been established by one of its alumni, inspired by superstar British rapper Stormzy.

Daniel Adebayo graduated from Leicester Law School in 2020 and is now a Compliance Officer at a London-based fintech company and a School Governor at his former secondary school. He was inspired to create the embRACE Award to break down the barriers that he once faced and create opportunities for the next generation of Black talent.

The award will support one applicant with Black and Mixed heritage from a socio-economically challenged background, courtesy of the generous support of Race Forward, a Community Interest Company founded by Daniel. The successful applicant will receive £2,000 per year during a three-year degree course, a total of £6,000 overall.

More information on applying for the award is available on the University website.

Black and Mixed Heritage students often face unique challenges in education, from financial hurdles to a lack of representation. By providing targeted support, Race Forward CIC is helping to level the playing field, ensuring that talented students are not held back by circumstances beyond their control. This award is a small but significant step toward equity and empowerment in higher education and society more broadly.

By reducing the financial burdens associated with studying at university, Daniel hopes that students can fully immerse themselves in their studies, seize opportunities for personal growth, and build their future with confidence.

Daniel said: “Establishing this award is deeply personal to me. It is a full-circle moment, transforming the financial challenges I encountered into an opportunity for others to thrive. Knowing that I can support someone's success story and create a legacy that I hope will inspire future generations is incredibly fulfilling.”

Daniel describes his time at the University of Leicester as ‘transformative’, as a time of growth, both academically and personally, despite challenges along the way.

Daniel added: “I had the opportunity to study in Singapore for a year, to join the Law and Pro Bono societies, and become a peer mentor amongst other things. Back when I was completing my year abroad in Singapore as part of my Law degree, I saw Stormzy launch his academic award, and this has fuelled my desire to also positively impact the Black community.

“Leicester holds a special place in my heart. It is not only an institution which enabled me to graduate with a First-Class in Law, but also a deeper understanding of who I am and what I can contribute to the world. I want to give back to a place that has shaped me, while also contributing to the university’s efforts to become a more inclusive and supportive space for Black and Mixed Heritage students.

“The challenges I faced pushed me to persevere, and I left Leicester with a deep sense of resilience and purpose. This award is my way of ensuring future students can navigate those challenges with more support.”