Solo artist Leigh-Anne receives Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her work on racial equality and anti-racism.
Solo artist Leigh-Anne receives Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her work on racial equality and anti-racism.
This Wednesday 26 July, ‘Don’t Say Love’ singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Buckinghamshire New University (BNU). The Doctorate marks the star’s successful musical career and active campaigning for racial equality and anti-racism, especially through her work as co-founder of The Black Fund charity.
Returning to her hometown of High Wycombe to collect her Honorary Doctorate, where BNU’s principal campus is located, Leigh-Anne took to the stage with hundreds of graduating BNU students collecting their own degrees alongside her.
Speaking about the award Leigh-Anne said “Growing up I must have walked past BNU’s High Wycombe campus a million times, curious about what was being studied and taught there. But in all that time I never imagined I’d be stood here today with an Honorary Doctorate in the Arts. It’s such a privilege to be recognised by such a credible, creative, and supportive university so I am extremely happy and proud to be here today.
She continued “In many ways my story is one that I think mirrors many of the student’s experiences here today. It’s a story of a woman who had a passion, who had a goal that she thought might just be achievable. But it’s also a story of a woman who thanks to the support of her mentors and believers (such as BNU’s Chancellor Jay Blades) along with a LOT of hard work and dedication, eventually got where she wanted to be. And while I am blessed to have had a successful recording career, it is so rewarding that it’s my work as a campaigner for racial equality and anti-racism that is being recognised today. Alongside my music, this is a role that becomes more important to me every single day.”
She concludes “The same could be true of all students graduating here this week too. Whether their goal is to succeed in the performing arts, design, nursing, aviation, business or law, the most important thing you can do is believe in yourself and surround yourself with others who believe in you too. Because, with a lot of work, and perhaps a little bit of luck, your goals are achievable too.”
Leigh-Anne collected her Doctorate in the company of her ex-mentor and Black Fund Trustee Jay Blades MBE, who was attending the ceremony in his formal capacity as Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University for the first time since he took on the role in March 2023.
Leigh-Anne has known Jay Blades for almost twenty years, crediting him as her ‘mentor’ through her teenage years in High Wycombe and speaking about Leigh-Anne's latest achievement he said: “Leigh-Anne couldn’t deserve this more. Not only is she an incredible talent, but she also uses her platform for the good of society and has never forgotten her roots. I am so proud of all that she’s achieved and was thrilled to be here today to see her recognised for her work. I mentor a few people so this is definitely a real full-circle moment for the both of us.”
Leigh-Ann Pinnock’s charity The Black Fund offers young people opportunities, access, work and experience, with a focus on the creative industry. BNU reflects this by delivering a range of courses across art, performance, design and the creative industries.
Explaining why Leigh-Anne was chosen for this special honour, Professor Nick Braisby, Vice Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University Vice-Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University said “Today BNU has celebrated Leigh-Anne Pinnock's remarkable achievements and her embodiment of the values of equality, community, and compassion, values that reflect what we represent here at Buckinghamshire New University.
“She reminds us that our voices matter and that we have the power to create positive change in our communities. Her journey serves as an inspiring example for our students and the wider community, encouraging us to pursue passions, challenge societal norms, and effect meaningful change."
"By embracing Leigh-Anne's story, BNU reaffirms its commitment to nurturing future generations of compassionate leaders who will shape a more inclusive and equitable world. We look forward to learning from Leigh-Anne and working with her to drive this important work forward.”
Topping off Leigh-Anne’s special day at BNU, on arrival at the High Wycombe campus she was welcomed by a flash mob of the University’s Dance and Performance students who presented a routine to Leigh-Anne’s new single ‘Don’t Say Love’. Jess Bradbury, Vice-President of Bucks Students’ Union and choreographer said: “We wanted to give Leigh-Anne the welcome to BNU she deserved. She is an inspiration to all of us here both as a performer and activist for social causes and we are delighted to see the University recognise her in this way. And if she ever feels like coming back to perform with us or even for one evening at our award-winning Students’ Union, our stage is all hers for the taking!
