Who are we?
The Black Economists Network (TBEN) is an organisation dedicated to providing a platform through which professionals and students of African and Caribbean descent in economics and related fields can connect, collaborate, share ideas and support each other. We also seek to challenge the lack of diversity within economics related fields by bringing together and raising the profile of Black people in economics by working alongside other organisations on their diversity strategies.
Why do we exist?
Despite there being many Black students who take economics into further education, economics is far from diverse. From senior positions at banks, to board memberships in think-tanks, Black people are under-represented across the field.
This lack of diversity can bring about implications pertinent to Black minority groups. From narrow perspectives to a lack of attention to minority interests; this lack of diversity can feed into decision making in industry, economic research and policy decisions.
Additionally, this lack of visibility (coupled with there being little to no initiatives at higher levels to address this), has meant that there exists no official platform to encourage and support aspiring/current Black professionals in economics and related fields.
“When discussing diversity in economics, the conversation is always centred around there being too few women in economics - especially at senior levels. However, often overlooked is the under-representation of leaders from African and Afro-Caribbean backgrounds in economics.
This is why I’ve decided to set up T-BEN. An organisation which seeks to raise the profile and bring together people of African and Afro-Caribbean descent in economics whilst challenging the lack of diversity in the field. ”
How will we address this?
In efforts to address this, TBEN seeks to raise the profile of Black people in economics by supporting the development of aspiring and current professionals in the field whilst creating a space through which they can flourish together. We have a vision to devise and implement solutions to overcome underrepresentation with what we perceive is a fundamental problem in the economics profession.
Our aims
Connect.
By building a community for professionals in the field to network and collaborate and establish life-long networks
Educate.
By equipping current and aspiring professionals knowledge on career options and the skills needed for career progression
Inspire.
By encouraging debate on topical economic issues and alternative economic perspectives as well as promoting an environment where members can learn from each other
Influence.
By changing the status quo and working with economics organisations to challenge and tackle the lack of diversity in economics