Reclaiming Narratives and Creating Opportunities #BlackHistoryMonth

My name is Dr. Adaku Jennifer Agwunobi, I’m an academic, entrepreneur, and all-around creative. Some might call me a polymath! I’ve been a part of the Primary Care Health Sciences department since March 2023. Born and raised in London, I proudly carry my British-Nigerian heritage, and this cultural blend has been a defining factor in both my personal life and my professional journey. From music stages in Nigeria to lecture halls at the University of Oxford, I have reclaimed the narrative of who I am, what I can achieve, and how I can inspire others.

The theme of this year’s Black History Month—Reclaiming Narratives—calls on Black communities across the UK to become custodians of our histories, to step into roles of storytelling that reflect the full breadth of our experiences. It’s a call that resonates with me deeply because, throughout my career, I have often had to reclaim the narrative around what it means to be a Black woman in academia, music, and entrepreneurship.

In academia, my path has been unconventional but highly rewarding. I have 4 degrees including 2 masters, the most recent one being MSc Health Economics. I was also the first Black doctoral researcher at my previous campus, Loughborough University London, to obtain a PhD, and I passed my viva in a record-breaking two years and ten months. My PhD research, entitled Entrepreneurial Health and Well-being in the Digital Economy, focused on Black female entrepreneurs and the unique challenges they face, exploring issues of mental health, discrimination, and intersectionality. In reclaiming these narratives, I aimed to highlight the stories of Black women in spaces where they are often overlooked. You can read more about my PhD here.

My postdoctoral work at Oxford University has continued this mission, particularly in the Primary Care Health Sciences department, where I focus on digital inclusion, structured medication reviews and hypertension. The project I am currently working explores digital inequalities in access, especially for underrepresented community groups. It’s a reminder that narratives must be reclaimed not only in the stories we tell but also in the systems we build—systems that should reflect the diversity of the people they serve. We cannot design equitable digital health tools or care systems without the inclusion of underrepresented voices at every stage, from research to implementation, exemplifing the need for diverse perspectives.

As a Black woman, an academic, and a creative, I have spent much of my life navigating spaces where my narrative was often shaped by others. From the classroom to the boardroom, I have encountered moments where the richness and complexity of my story—my heritage, my experiences, my voice—were distilled into narrow boxes that didn’t fully reflect who I am. Black History Month's theme, Reclaiming Narratives, resonates deeply with me, as it calls for Black individuals and communities to take ownership of our stories and contributions. This is not just an act of personal empowerment but a critical intervention for reshaping historical and contemporary discourse.

In my own life and career, I have continuously sought to reclaim the narrative by stepping into roles where I can influence, lead, and innovate. My core academic journey started, with my PhD research focusing on the health and wellbeing of entrepreneurs, particularly among Black female entrepreneurs as mentioned. As a Postdoc at the University of Oxford’s Primary Care Health Sciences department, I have been able to bring my lived experiences and professional expertise into projects that impact the broader health landscape. The importance of representation in primary care, particularly in research, cannot be overstated. When voices like mine—Black, female, young, early career —are included in study creation, patient and public involvement (PPI) initiatives or in shaping clinical trials, we open the door to more holistic and inclusive healthcare outcomes.

For Black professionals in primary care, reclaiming narratives means more than simply being present—it means actively shaping the systems that have historically excluded us. In my work over the years, I have seen first-hand how the absence of diverse professionals in decision-making spaces leads to gaps in the understanding of the needs of diverse communities.

Throughout my work at the Primary Care Health Sciences department, I have had to draw on traits deeply rooted in my culture and upbringing—proactivity, hands-on problem-solving, and a relentless pursuit of solutions. These values were instilled in me by my family and are reflected in the way I approach my projects. For instance, the OSCAR project required me to think on my feet, be proactive, make decisions and liaise with different types of people, qualities that are vital in primary care research. At the heart of reclaiming narratives is the idea of ownership—not just of our personal stories but of the platforms, structures, and conversations where those stories are told. The call to become storytellers, historians, and custodians of our heritage is a reminder that reclaiming the narrative isn’t only about correcting past misrepresentations, but about actively building new, inclusive futures. In the context of primary care, this means advocating for greater representation in research, ensuring that trials include diverse participants, and pushing for policies that reflect the needs of all communities.

I stand as a testament to the power of reclaiming one’s narrative. As a Black woman at the intersection of academia, entrepreneurship, and creativity, I have used my voice to advocate for inclusivity and equity, not just for myself but for others who have been similarly underrepresented. Black History Month’s theme this year is a call to action for us all, particularly in fields like primary care, where the stakes are high, and the work of inclusion is ongoing.

Reclaiming the narrative is equally important in the context of academia and primary care. Historically, Black professionals have been underrepresented in these fields, and that gap in representation has often meant that the voices of Black patients and communities are not adequately heard in healthcare decision-making. My role in projects such as OSCAR, which required a great deal of initiative and hands-on problem solving, has shown me the importance of being proactive and solution-oriented in research. These qualities are deeply rooted in my cultural heritage, where resilience and resourcefulness have always been valued.

Outside of academia, my journey as a creative has also been a continuous process of reclaiming narratives across music, fashion, dance and more. In 2021, I released my debut 16-track album The Vibes Are Known, which blends Afrobeats and R&B. Every song was written, recorded, and performed by me—a bold step in putting myself out there, fearlessly. My music career has taken me from London to Nigeria, where I headlined shows and performed in front of thousands. Music has been a vital part of my life, and it’s a way I express the many layers of my identity.

In all these aforementioned ventures and more, I have had to reclaim the narrative, stepping into spaces where Black women are often underrepresented and using my platform to inspire others. Whether in primary care research, music, or entrepreneurship, I am committed to using my voice to highlight the importance of diversity, equity, and well-being. My prior fellowship at the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and my research associate role at Wadham College were also centered on these principles. The work of reclaiming narratives is ongoing. In academia, business, and beyond, there are still many stories to be told, many voices to be heard. For me, Black History Month is a reminder that reclaiming our narratives isn’t just about correcting past misrepresentations—it’s about actively shaping the future. By owning our stories and leading in our respective fields, we can create a world where our full, authentic selves are not only seen but celebrated. My postdoctoral work at the University of Oxford has continued this mission, particularly in the Primary Care Health Sciences department. The conventional boundaries of science, technology, engineering, and more to include my creative pursuits. This outlook helps me connect the dots between seemingly unrelated disciplines, and it is part of how I reclaim narratives in spaces that have not traditionally embraced Black women or interdisciplinarity.

How do I continuously reclaim narratives? I answer this question quite simply - with joy at the core of everything I did. When I ask myself this question, I am reminded of the importance of pursuing what genuinely makes us happy. For me, that joy comes from creativity, whether it’s in the form of academic writing/data collection, music, or entrepreneurship. Over the years, I’ve been invited to several talks and panels at Oxford, including at the BIPOC STEM Network event last year and I shared how well-being, rooted in my "home, heritage, and happiness," has been central to everything I do. Breaking barriers can certainly be exhausting, but joy and well-being provide the sustenance needed to continue this work. The concept of "diversity fatigue" is real, particularly for those of us who navigate multiple roles and identities, nonetheless, finding joy in what I do has been key to overcoming that fatigue. Breaking barriers is not just about individual achievement—it’s about opening doors for others and ensuring that diversity becomes the norm rather than the exception. I carry this mindset into every aspect of my work, from research to entrepreneurship, and it is my hope that others will be inspired to do the same.

As a Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship fellow, I also recently had the privilege of delivering a 3-hour workshop at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, as part of the #MapTheSystem initiative. The topic, Wellbeing for Changemakers, is one that’s close to my heart, as it weaves together my passion for well-being and social impact. During the session, hosted by the Skoll Centre and Oxford Saïd, we explored the many facets of well-being, from managing burnout to finding outlets for stress, and ensuring that purpose-driven work doesn't come at the expense of personal health. As changemakers, we often focus all our energy on making a difference in the world, but it's crucial to remember that the first step to making a positive impact is to ensure our own well-being. By integrating small, actionable changes into our daily lives—whether it's through mindfulness, setting boundaries, or carving out time for rest—we can sustain the energy needed to drive meaningful change in society. This message resonates deeply with the work I have done in both academia and entrepreneurship, where well-being is not just a theme but a foundational principle. In today's fast-paced world, the role of social impact entrepreneurs is more important than ever, and the workshop served as a reminder that self-care is essential to creating lasting change.

A key part of reclaiming narratives today involves navigating the rapidly growing digital economy - I note that statistically, Black academics tend to be awarded less academic funding than counterparts. However, I applied for and was awarded my very first main PI grant last year through the department, which was part of the 7th cohort of Innovate UK KTN’s CyberASAP, a prestigious cybersecurity academic startup accelerator programme. Through this programme, I am working on a unique project that combines cybersecurity education, digital well-being and more. We are even exploring interesting use cases with primary care practitioners like nurses. Cybersecurity is an integral part of the narrative in this digital age so being able to work on a project in this field as a Black women means I am representing those who may not always be represented in these spaces. With the rise of AI and web3, ensuring safety, particularly for vulnerable groups online, has never been more important. My project aims to merge these crucial elements, building on my academic expertise and entrepreneurial experience to create solutions that address real-world issues. Notably, this accelerator was created for academics interested in entrepreneurship so it was a great reminder of how interests of mine could be merged. More about CyberASAP: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/programme/cyberasap/

As I continue to reclaim the narrative in my life and work, I remain committed to centring well-being, creativity, and diversity in everything I do. Black History Month reminds us that reclaiming our narratives is not just a personal task—it is a collective one. By sharing our stories and creating spaces where others can thrive, we contribute to a more equitable and inclusive future. In primary care, reclaiming narratives is especially crucial. My work in digital health / inclusion aims to change this by ensuring that all voices are heard and included in the design and implementation of healthcare technologies. Projects like OSCAR have required me to think on my feet, using initiative and proactivity—skills deeply rooted in my culture and upbringing. These qualities are essential in navigating the challenges of underrepresentation and ensuring that we create inclusive solutions.

Prior to my role in the department, I was a Postdoc in the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, focusing on orthopaedic clinic tooling as part of Solid Mechanics and Materials Engineering. This position marked a significant milestone in my career, as my first postdoctoral role at one of the world’s leading institutions. I am proud of this achievement, not just because of the academic challenge it presented, but because it also placed me in a space where I was often the only Black woman in the group, representing not just myself, but the wider community of Black women in STEM.

Being the only Black woman in such spaces underscores the need for greater representation and inclusivity in fields like engineering science, where diversity can only enhance innovation and progress. Attending and speaking at events in all fields reminds me of the importance of visibility and advocacy—both of which are vital in encouraging the next generation of Black women to pursue careers similar to mine. It’s a narrative I continuously seek to reclaim, ensuring that others can see themselves in these roles and feel empowered to break through the barriers that remain.