In honour of Black History Month 2024, Roehampton University shines a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of Black women who studied and taught at Froebel, Southlands, and Whitelands colleges over the past century. 

In the 1930s, Froebel and Southlands Colleges welcomed Nigerian students Ayodele Taylor and Augusta Modupe Bolade Williams (known as Ibirauke), who navigated life in London while challenging misconceptions about Africa. Ibirauke humorously addressed stereotypes in a 1936 article for the college magazine, shedding light on Africa’s rich diversity. 

Florence Wilson Addison from Ghana joined Southlands after World War II and quickly emerged as a leader among her peers. Her accomplishments extended far beyond Roehampton—she later represented Ghana at the United Nations and was awarded an MBE for her contributions to education. 

Florence Addison (centre) with the Ghanaian delegation (Photo credit: UN Photo/MB). 

At Whitelands College, Ida Amy Louisa King, originally from Trinidad, made history as a lecturer in the 1920s and 30s, and was likely one of the first Black women to study at Cambridge. Another trailblazer, Constance Cummings-John from Sierra Leone, studied at Whitelands in 1935 before making history as the first Black African woman to be elected mayor of an African city. 

These remarkable women laid the foundation for future generations, and Roehampton University is honoured to celebrate their legacies during Black History Month and beyond. 

To read more about this please visit Snapshots from the Archives – Special Collections & Archives – Library Home at University of Roehampton. 

With thanks to Gilly King (Southlands), Gemma Bentley (Whitelands), and Kornelia Cepok (Froebel and University Archivist), Stevie Russell (Academic Engagement Librarian)