University News Last updated 24 April
A BCU graduate has won the award for Youth Activist of the Year at the Inspirational Youth Awards 2025.
Eltayeb Bashar, who graduated from BCU in 2023 with an LLB Law degree, is the CEO and co-founder of The Anti-Racism Initiative, a registered UK charity dedicated to championing underrepresented racial minorities and bringing communities together.
Eltayeb explains: “My sister and I moved to Worcester in 2015.We loved our new city, but we noticed a lack of representation for the black community. We wanted to change this, so people from all backgrounds could feel more at home in Worcester. This led us to creating the charity.”
Growing up as a black Muslim and a son of Sudanese immigrants in Ireland, he moved to Worcester when he was 14 years old. Just five years later, he co-organised and co-led the biggest protest for racial justice in his city's history alongside his friends and his sister, which quickly gained media attention from outlets like the BBC. This led to introducing events like the city's first Black History Month and Windrush Day.
Eltayeb said: “I'm thankful for our accomplishments and eager to continue representing the underrepresented in my community.”
Since graduating from BCU, he’s also been recognised with an annual volunteer award, recognising his contributions to the city through community work.
His biggest achievement since graduating has been winning the 2024 HART prize for human rights and being given a tour of Parliament. He’s since studied a LLM in International Human Rights, been invited to participate in the prestigious NATO Youth Summit and started an international human rights association named the Global Rights Alliance.
But his journey hasn’t been easy. Eltayeb said: “I had to really believe in my vision and abilities. There were many people on my journey who told me that I couldn’t do things because they hadn’t been done before by people like me, or that I should dedicate my time to other projects and initiatives. Sticking on this path definitely took determination and self-belief.”
In a LinkedIn post congratulating Eltayeb on his win, the Inspirational Youth Awards added: “Your passion, resilience, and commitment to making a difference inspire us all. Thank you for being a shining example of what young people can achieve when they’re empowered and supported. The future is brighter because of you!”
Reflecting on his Inspirational Youth Awards win, Eltayeb said: "Winning this award is a great honour and vindication for my efforts. There were many great candidates from all over the country, doing great work who got shortlisted for this award. It’s a great feeling to be recognised and to have all my hours of work be recognised."
Looking to the future, Eltayeb is keen to continue to make a difference: “I’m determined to change the world for the better. I want to make a meaningful contribution to UK society and to the greater world, I intend to undertake a PhD in human rights law, publish books, and most significantly, I intend to revolutionise and transform the approach people take to human rights through my human rights organisation, The Global Rights Alliance.”
Eltayeb’s advice for anyone considering studying Law at BCU would be: “Go for it. BCU is an institution that puts people at its heart. I had some excellent teachers and was afforded countless opportunities. The support I’ve received as a graduate for my work has been both incredibly encouraging and appreciated.”