Watch the 2017 ceremony at the University of Brighton

Bert Williams MBE was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters. It traces his journey from leaving Jamaica as a young man, to serving in the Royal Air Force, and building a long career within the NHS. The citation recognises his role as co founder of Brighton and Hove Black History, an organisation committed to uncovering the city’s multicultural heritage and challenging racial prejudice. It also reflects on his MBE and his lasting contribution to the community. The transcript includes his acceptance speech, in which he speaks with humility and encourages graduates to focus on service, social impact and strengthening their communities rather than pursuing status or wealth alone.

The work the doctorate recognised was built in partnership with Sarah Lee, who co-founded Brighton & Hove Black History with Bert in 2002 and has shaped its research and public work ever since. You can read more about the organisation they built together at Brighton & Hove Black History.