5 minutes for Black History Month with...Deladem Ohenewaa Mensah

What is your history at the University (start date, previous roles)

I joined NTU in 2020 as a Commonwealth shared scholar for my LLM Health Law and Ethics. While here I was voted the NTSU Nottingham Law School (NLS) Postgraduate School Officer. I also represented NTSU at the annual NUS conference where I worked with a team of volunteers on the Introduction to Racism model towards the end of my program.

After this, I went back home to Ghana, and I’ve come back for my PhD in Law focusing on restorative justice which I gained inspiration for during my LLM study.

When you were growing up, what did you want to be?

I wanted to be either a journalist or a lawyer as I loved the idea of researching and analysing topical issues that affected society. Eventually, law won over journalism, and here I am today.

What are your thoughts on this year’s theme for Black History Month and the role Black women have played in shaping change in various sectors?

Black women all over the world have worked hard to change the narrative and shaped history in various sectors and industries.

In recent years, there have been conscious efforts to show how strong, resilient, powerful and impactful Black women are. While some get it right, it is scary how the narrative can sometimes be translated into how a Black woman can use her power to control. While that may not be wrong, the need for control can sometimes translate into women becoming a version of themselves that’s self-destructive, bullying and manipulating the people they need.

However, I would like to think Black women all over the world are getting to a place of freedom, power and knowledge. A place where they can learn, experience and demonstrate all the greatness within and manifest as the queens they are. It's exciting to see Black women leading changes in workplaces, politics, and society, previously male-dominated sectors, and achieving greatness.

I salute all the sisters wherever they are and encourage them to keep marching on. We can shape society for the better and create lasting legacies.

Can you name a black female who has inspired you in your life? What inspired you most about this person?

My mother, Mrs Margaret Mensah, is one of the key people who have inspired me in life.

What has inspired you the most about this person?

My mother didn’t get much formal education, yet she ensured all her children got educated and encouraged us to pursue it to the highest level. She taught me diligence, determination and the essence of sacrificing today's pleasure for a greater tomorrow. These are virtues I cherish every day.

Have you navigated any barriers or challenges through your academic studies or career?

I have encountered several challenges, including being discouraged by people I looked up to not to pursue my legal education. However, one of the most challenging things I went through was successfully passing an academic year while pregnant and then nursing a baby.

How did you overcome these challenges?

By acknowledging my challenges and accepting help. I had a very good support system. My family particularly my mother-in-law, Ms Alice Nyantakyiwaa and my friend Maria Cheswa Alogo Django Esq, who stood by me, encouraged me and took care of me throughout my pregnancy, and made it easy for me to go through my academic years successfully. I had amazing lecturers and study partners who were equally supportive.

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement is not giving up. Staying focused and achieving these academic successes has made me a source of inspiration for my friends and other young girls in my community and social circle. I am glad I didn’t give up or listen to the nay-sayers.

What is one piece of advice you have received that you feel has helped you?

Commitment is more than just making a promise – it’s honouring that promise by investing your time and effort. What does real commitment feel like? It’s the experience of watching yourself take action in the service of a meaningful purpose. The power of commitment is yours when you take the first step forward, and the next, and the next. “Act your commitment into being, feel the power, and reap the rewards.”— Ralph Marston

Current favourite song, film, book and podcast?

Son: Reckless Love (Cory Asbury)
Film: 3 idiots
Book: Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul (John Eldredge)
Podcast: Criminal and 70 Over 70

Keep up to date with all of our activities to celebrate Black History Month 2023 on our campaign page.