Black History Month: Alumni Advisory Board member Phil shares his perspective

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A headshot of Phil Tulba, there is a pain brown background which is blurred.

October is Black History Month. We recently spoke with new Alumni Advisory Board member Phil Tulba, who emphasises the value and significance of observing Black History Month.

He left º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ in 1999 after completing a master’s in Information Technology.  

Phil is currently Associate Director for Community Wealth Building at The Ubele Initiative and is an expert in social and community enterprise with over 20 years’ experience working in the UK, Europe, North Africa and South East Asia. He says it is important to “read more about British Black activism” and encourages people to take that action this October.  

He has extensive experience in delivering training and consultancy support to community enterprises of different sizes and stages of development in diverse communities. Tasks have included business and strategic planning, financial modelling and forecasting, impact measurement, crisis management and turnaround, skills audits and training. 

In his role at Ubele, he is responsible for the delivery of Agbero 2100, a £1.8M multi-year assets, community and leadership strategic initiative. He is also responsible for the delivery of the Flexible Finance social investment and emerging Energy Resilience Fund. Phil is also Project Manager for Gida Housing Co-operative based in Tottenham, North London and he is Director for Wards Corner Community Benefit Society in Haringey, North London. 

When asked what is the importance of Black History Month, Phil said: “To understand Black history as not just about racism, colonisation or slavery, but through Black achievement and excellence."

Phil was asked what advice he would give to current students and fellow alumni on engaging meaningful conversations about race and discrimination, particularly during Black History Month. He said: 

“I’d say first, embrace your discomfort of not knowing; you are not the only one feeling that way! I would then read and learn where you can and think about any preconceptions you have; do you know where they come, how strongly do you hold these views? 

“Finally, approach with respect and ‘listen to understand, not to reply’ – this will create an environment for a positive engagement.” 

Learn more about the University’s Black History’s Month events and news.