Anti-racism to be explored in new series of talks

Speaker, activist and author Nova Reid will join Cardiff University academic Professor Matthew Williams at the first of a series of talks discussing anti-racism.

Talking Anti-Racism at Cardiff University will bring together experts across the University with specialist guest speakers to open up important discussions on race. Each academic school will take a turn to host a talk, with University experts and outside speakers discussing diversity from their own unique perspectives.

Nova Reid is one of the UK’s leading anti-racism activists. A TED speaker, an entrepreneur, podcaster and an author, she also has a background in mental wellbeing. Nova uses all these invaluable skills in her anti-racism practice and is a passionate advocate for race equity.

Nova Reid, author of The Good Ally, a book which promotes and encourages meaningful change, said: “I have a desire to take part in meaningful events that provoke thought, challenge, deepen understanding and to inspire action. So I am thrilled to be asked to join Cardiff University and to be in discussion with Professor Matthew Williams.

“Matthew’s work has been paramount in helping truly dissect some of the root causes of human behaviour when it comes to racism and hate. Becoming anti-racist requires courage and I cannot wait to get stuck in.”

Professor of Criminology Matthew Williams, based at Cardiff University’s School of Social Sciences, specialises in research about hate crime and the migration of all forms of hate to the Internet. He directs HateLab, a research programme which acts as global hub for data and insight to monitor and counter online hate speech and crime.

Professor Williams, author of The Science of Hate, said: “Nova’s inspiring work in anti-racism is driven by a mission to improve racial justice, by helping us unearth our implicit biases in order to unlearn them. I’m delighted that Nova is willing to share her knowledge and experience with us as part of the Talking Anti-Racism series.”

Michelle Alexis, Deputy Business Manager at Cardiff University, who has organised the series, said: “I’m really pleased that this is a long-term series and a great opportunity for the many schools across the University to discuss anti-racism within their many different disciplines.

“The events, which are open to all, should provide interesting and varied perspectives on this important topic, which we hope will lead to a greater understanding of diversity and why it is such a pressing issue requiring collective action.”

Cardiff University Vice Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan said: “I am delighted that Cardiff University is hosting this series of talks, which aim to explore what we as a society need to do to promote anti-racism in all areas of life.

“I hope the talks inform and spark the important conversations that are needed on race and diversity as well as demonstrate Cardiff University’s commitment to embedding equality, awareness and change into all aspects of our work.”

The event, on Tuesday October 26 at 11am, will take place online as a Zoom webinar and will be recorded for publication after the event.

To book a place on the talk, click here.