National recognition for Llanelli young woman

12 October 2023

Graduate from University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Swansea College of Art has had her academic work and determination recognised at the Senedd.

Summer Davies and Jane Hutt MS hold a box containing the glass leaf-shaped award and smile.

Summer Davies, who graduated from BA Graphic Design in July, won the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award at the National Black History Wales Youth Awards 2023, which were held in the Senedd last week.

The category won by Summer was for a student who had achieved outstanding results within their educational programme, or overcome signiﬁcant obstacles to achieve the highest grades possible in examinations, assessments or tests.

The event was hosted by Race Council Cymru and sponsored by the Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt MS.

Summer said: “What an incredible night. I was overwhelmed with emotion! It was an honour to receive this award that recognised my challenging experiences and how I was able flourish at UWTSD in spite of them.

“I used my university projects to reflect on the adversity and intense struggles I experienced at school, as a young black girl from Llanelli. I’ve always been inspired by positive change and celebrating difference, so I created campaigns to educate and highlight the issues that still persist.

“It’s a great feeling to be acknowledged for my efforts and I’m truly grateful to have shared this moment with everyone at the Senedd on Thursday night. Thank you to Race Council Cymru and Black History Wales for hosting this special annual occasion to celebrate the young Black people of Wales!”

Award-winners at the National Black History Wales Youth Awards 2023 holding up their certificates.

Summer was nominated by Donna Williams, Programme Manager of BA Graphic Design at UWTSD, who said: “Despite facing heartbreaking adversity through her formative educational years, Summer flourished in her university degree. With determination and a passion to work with her creativity, she achieved one of the highest marks we have ever had on the course.

“At every hurdle, Summer picked herself up with grace, patience and a depth of humility in how she uses her own experiences of pain to gently educate others about racism. I felt such pride to witness Summer achieve this important and significant award. Thank you to The National Black History Wales Youth Awards, and Race Council Cymru for creating these empowering awards for our young black youth.”

Professor Uzo Iwobi CBE FLSW, Vice President of Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and the Founder & CEO of Race Council Cymru offered “huge congratulations to an amazing student”, saying she was “truly delighted that Summer can inspire other learners to reach for the skies. We are all so proud of her!”

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David offers leading creative programmes at its Swansea College of Art. The Graphic Design programme ranks 1st in Wales and 11th in the UK in the Guardian University Leage Tables 2024.