UEA Alumni friends to run Hackney Half Marathon in memory of fellow graduate
By: Alumni Team
Jodie Snow and Naomi Rhodes met at UEA and are still firm friends, now living in London. Jodie graduated in 2016 with a BA in English Literature and Naomi left UEA with a BA in Media Studies in 2017. They will both be running the Hackney Half Marathon on 19 May in memory of their dear friend and UEA grad Gboyega Odubanjo, who sadly passed away last summer.
Jodie has explained why they have felt motivated to run for Gboyega:
“All my chosen family in London are from the three beautiful years growing up in UEA, and I am very sad that Gboyega is not part of that. In honour of Gboyega's memory and the impact his work has had on the literary world, we're raising money for the foundation that was launched in his name. The Gboyega Odubanjo Foundation is dedicated to upholding Gboyega's vision of empowering and celebrating black excellence, particularly within the realm of literature. The foundation's mission is to provide support and resources to aspiring black writers, helping them overcome the systemic barriers that often hinder their progress in the literary world.”
In addition to supporting the Gboyega Odubanjo Foundation, a percentage of the proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to the Monitoring Group Charity, which provided invaluable support to Gboyega's family and friends during a difficult time, as well as to Missing People UK.
L-R: Naomi Rhodes, Jodie Snow, Gboyega Odubanjo during their time at UEA.
Naomi added:
“UEA was where I discovered myself and my passions and where I found my chosen family. Indeed, Gboyega was my best friend, and we lived together, sharing many great memories and experiences. He was awarded his PhD posthumously from the University of Hertfordshire this February, which I accepted on his behalf. His book, "Adam," will be published this summer by Faber and Faber, so we want to raise as much awareness as possible.”
You can support the campaign on their Crowdfunder page.
Jodie studied BA English Literature and Naomi studied BA Media Studies.