We are thrilled to announce that our CEO, Dr. Charisse Oyediwura has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of York, recognising her bold, visionary leadership in transforming the UK music industry.
At a graduation ceremony held yesterday, Charisse was celebrated not just for her accolades but for her unwavering commitment to equality, social justice, and accountability in music and beyond.
The University highlighted her fearless work as CEO of Black Lives in Music, where she continues to push boundaries and dismantle barriers to create a fairer, more inclusive industry. In particular, the landmark “Being Black in the UK Music Industry” report was praised for its data-driven approach to exposing systemic racism, its impact on mental health, and the intersectional inequalities black women face in music. It wasn’t just a report, it was a call to action, and one the industry couldn’t ignore.
Charisse’s influence goes far beyond research. She’s been a driving force behind the Anti-Racism Code of Conduct, which is setting new standards for accountability and inclusive practices across creative industries. Her voice is also being heard in high places, from the UK Government’s Misogyny in Music inquiry to collaborations with the Mayor of London on discriminatory licensing policies. Every initiative she touches is rooted in purpose and powered by data, empathy, and passion.
The University of York described her as a “change-maker,” and honestly, we could not agree more. For today’s graduates, she stands as a real-world example of leadership that blends impact with integrity. She challenges us all to not just succeed, but to uplift others as we do.
In Charisse’s own words:
“Change must be achieved, but it can only happen if it is done together.”
Congratulations, Dr. Charisse Oyediwura. We are honoured to be part of the journey.