Celebrating Black History Month: Reflections from Two Black Geographers on the Need for More Black Voices in Geography
This series marks the second time we at YSJ Geography have dedicated our blog to celebrating Black History Month. When we first did so in 2021, we explored the landscapes, spaces, and places that have shaped Black identities, as well as the people who have contributed to the discipline of geography. This year, as we have celebrated the works of Black Geographers, it is inspiring to see the depth, creativity, and impact of the work being done by Black geographers around the world – works that continue to reshape how we understand key concepts such as space, place, and justice.
Surprisingly, geography is not always a first-choice subject for many people from the Black community. Ongoing research work led by Dr Pauline Couper, and with the support of the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) and the British Geographical Institute (BGI), is currently exploring this issue through research (stay tuned!). In this post Dr Olalekan (Lekan) Adekola and Dr Tokunbo (TK) Olorundami reflect on the series and their own experiences as Black Geographers.
Lekan: My own experience suggests that, for many of us — to borrow Jasmine Roberts’ phrase — “geography found us.” Yet once you begin to study it, you quickly realise how powerful and far-reaching the discipline is. Geography cultivates critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and global employability skills that are valuable in any field.
TK: My own experience is also similar and agrees with the fact that Geography tends to find you out — to borrow Jasmine Roberts’ phrase — “geography found us.” I originally applied to study Media and Communication, but I was admitted to Cartography instead. At first, I viewed this change as a detour from my intended path, but as I began to explore the subject, I discovered how powerful and far-reaching geography truly is. The discipline fosters critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and a deep awareness of the world around us. And my experience with maps and exposure to using them in travelling with my dad made me agree to stay on. I later found it is indeed a subject that helps one cultivate global employability skills that extend far beyond maps and measurements — skills that are valuable in any professional field. Over time, I came to realise that geography hadn’t simply chosen me by chance; it had revealed new ways of understanding connections, spaces, and stories that shape our world.
Part of broadening geography’s appeal lies in ensuring that what we teach — especially at the pre-university stage, before students make subject choices — reflects lived realities and local contexts.
Lekan: For many in my generation who studied in Nigeria, our introduction to geography came through texts such as Goh Cheng Leong’s Certificate Physical and Human Geography and Nwadilibe P. Iloeje’s A New Geography of Nigeria. These works spoke directly to our lived experiences. At university, we encountered the scholarship of Akin Mabogunje, R.K. Udo, Emmanuel Ajayi Olofin, Andrew Onokerhoraye, and many others who helped shape geography as an intellectually rich discipline deeply grounded in local realities. While much of our theoretical foundation drew from Western frameworks, our conceptualisation of space, place, and human–environment relations was profoundly local. Looking back, I believe that this blend of global theory and local insight gave Nigerian geography its distinctive strength.
TK: Yes, lived experience has shaped much of my teaching and the ideas I bring into the classroom. My days in the military academy also influence how I perceive and engage with the natural environment. Geospatial intelligence lies at the heart of military training and instruction, and this background has deepened my appreciation for geography’s practical and strategic dimensions. Thinkers whose work demonstrated how geography could speak powerfully to local realities while engaging with global ideas further strengthened this perspective. Although much of our theoretical grounding was drawn from Western frameworks, our understanding of space, place, and human–environment relations remained distinctly contextualised by the Nigerian and African framing of nature and the interactions with the natural space. Looking back, I see that this fusion of global theory, local experience, and personal background transformed geography for me, from an accidental assignment into a discipline that reveals the depth, relevance, and richness of the world and society I see. I have travelled to many corners of the world, and it is only the geographic thinking that drives me to find how things work in other places and the connections to the world I know and see.
There is still much work to be done to diversify the discipline — particularly in the UK. But the many Black geographers who are thriving today need to be more visible, sharing their journeys and experiences to inspire others. Mentoring young people and engaging with communities can help more Black people see geography’s relevance — because, all too often, it remains undervalued within Black communities. It is encouraging, however, to see initiatives such as Black Geographers, Geography for All, Fi Wi Road Internship, Encompass and similar projects beginning to change this narrative.
Some might be asking, “What can I learn from studying geography?”
Lekan: For me, geography teaches us to think critically and to ask what, where, when, how, and why about the world around us. Geographers never take things at face value; we explore patterns, question assumptions, and consider the ethical and societal implications of our work. It is no surprise, then, that geography has relevance in nearly every sphere of life.
TK: The call to diversify geography resonates deeply with my own journey. I never set out to be a geographer — I applied to study Media and Communication but was redirected to Cartography. Over time, I realised geography was far more than maps; it was a lens for understanding the relationships between people, places, and environments. As a Black geographer, I know how important visibility and representation are, and as a cartographer with GIS expertise, I am well positioned to reimagine maps and mapping with a background in Colonial Geography and understanding how maps were invented and used. Many young people in Black communities still see geography as distant, yet my experiences, especially my time in the military academy and foremost role as a Heritage officer and planning consultant, revealed how deeply it connects to everyday life. Those of us in the field have a duty to make it more accessible. Mentoring, community engagement, and celebrating Black contributions can help reshape perceptions. Initiatives such as Black Geographers, Geography for All, and Encompass are already creating space for this change.
So, when asked, “What can I learn from studying geography?” the answer should be ‘simple’: you learn to see the world differently, to think critically about where you are, why it matters, how local actions can become global issues, and how you can make a difference. What began for some of us as an unexpected assignment has become a lifelong journey of connection, purpose, and discovery.
Ironically, what should be geography’s greatest strength — its versatility — is sometimes misunderstood as a weakness. We have heard people describe geographers as “jacks of all trades and masters of none.” How far from the truth that is — and how revealing of a lack of understanding of the discipline! People often ask, “Where will you end up?” The truth is, geographers can end up almost anywhere. Armed with a wide range of employability skills — including qualitative, quantitative, and GIS expertise — geographers work in space exploration, environmental protection, aviation, computing, business, governance, and more.
We have seen geographers shape the world in diverse and meaningful ways — from political leaders and successful entrepreneurs to global change-makers and leading academics — many of whom we can proudly recognise as Black geographers. Their achievements remind us that there are no limits. More importantly, geography opens doors not just to careers, but to understanding and transforming the world around us.
Our celebrations of Black geographers have featured only a few names, but there are many more whose contributions deserve recognition. We hope our little celebration at YSJ would encourage many to explore their work and give them more visibility — to uncover the breadth of brilliance and innovation among Black geographers who are not only addressing today’s challenges but also shaping the future. Their work is transformative — both locally and globally.
Geography is a powerful discipline — and the world needs more Black voices to study it, shape it, and lead it. Addressing today’s global challenges will require the insight, skills, and perspectives that geographers bring.
Finally, we recognise all the allies who have supported Black geographers and championed greater diversity within the discipline. In particular, for this celebration, we would like to acknowledge the contributions of Dr Jamie Arathoon.
If you would like to know more about studying geography or connecting with others in the field, reach out, and we would be delighted to share the possibilities.