UK rapper launches a fund to help Black students studying at Oxford University

The AJ Tracey Fund will aim to address “historic underrepresentation” at the university, working alongside St Peter’s College to provide financial aid and guided mentorship sessions. 

AJ Tracey will be donating £40,000 a year to help ethnic minority students through their journey at the University of Oxford, covering expenses from the application process to admissions and more. 

The West London rapper said: “I think, in general, for anyone who doesn’t understand why Black people who have managed to become successful want to help Black kids, it should be self-explanatory. The whole country is catered towards white people and we’re just trying to level the playing field by helping Black kids.” 

Discussing the barriers he faced in his own education, Tracey told the Guardian: “I truly believe that I had the potential to go to Oxford or Cambridge. But it was just understood that if you’re from an impoverished upbringing or ethnic background it’s very hard to get in. 

“Even if you’re intelligent, even if you know you can get those grades, it just feels out of reach. Unfortunately, the society that we live in, you know, it doesn’t favour people from a background like me. It’s not a sob story, it just is what it is.” 

Judith Buchanan, head of the St. Peter’s College at Oxford, said she was “delighted to have AJ Tracey in our world,” saying: “With his generous support we look forward to seeing current and future talented Black students flourish in their time here.” 

AJ Tracey is not the only UK rapper to set up their own scholarship. In 2018, Stormzy set up The Stormzy Scholarship, which has so far supported nineteen Black students through their studies at The University of Cambridge. 

Last year, Stormzy announced plans to support 30 more students through their studies at the prestigious institute.