Stormzy Honoured With Cambridge Doctorate for Championing Black Student Access
In a remarkable acknowledgment of his efforts to broaden access to higher education, acclaimed rapper Stormzy has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Cambridge. The award, conferred during a ceremony on Wednesday, recognises his significant contributions in supporting black British students to attend one of the UK’s most esteemed universities.
Known offstage as Michael Ebenazer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr, the 31-year-old was presented with a Doctorate in Law. This accolade shines a spotlight on his “transformative” Stormzy Scholarship, launched back in 2018 to provide financial backing for black UK students studying at Cambridge. The programme, which is supported by Stormzy’s own #Merky Foundation in conjunction with HSBC UK, has already enabled 56 undergraduates to pursue degrees with full coverage of both tuition fees and living expenses.
Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University, described Stormzy’s impact as “transformative,” noting the strong impression the scholarship has made on the university community and beyond. “Stormzy’s commitment to supporting underrepresented groups has not just opened doors to individuals, but has also helped to change the narrative around who belongs at Cambridge,” she commented during the event.
The honorary degree ceremony, held within the storied surrounds of Cambridge’s historic grounds, saw Stormzy celebrated amongst an impressive cohort of other figures. In total, eight new honorary graduates were recognised for exceptional contributions in their fields, highlighting the breadth of influence represented in this year’s honours.
Notably, alongside Stormzy, recipients included Sir Simon Russell Beale, who received a Doctorate in Letters for his outstanding contributions to the performing arts. American political activist and renowned academic Professor Angela Davis was also recognised with a Doctorate in Letters. Further honours went to Lady Arden of Heswall, a former UK Supreme Court justice, and Dame Katherine Grainger, Olympic gold medallist and leading sports administrator, both of whom received Doctorates in Law.
Stormzy’s relationship with education advocacy is well established. The Stormzy Scholarship was created to address the stark underrepresentation of black students at Cambridge, a subject that has been at the forefront of debate about fairness and diversity in university admissions across the country. By alleviating the financial strains that frequently deter talented students, the programme has inspired new generations to aim high academically, regardless of background.
Speaking about the achievements of all the honourees, Professor Prentice said, “Each of this year’s honorary graduands has made an extraordinary contribution to their field, and their work continues to inspire people in Cambridge and around the world.” The remark echoes the wider sentiment that such recognition serves not only as individual accolades but also as public endorsements of the transformative effects that leadership and advocacy can have on society.
For many observers, Stormzy’s journey from chart-topping musician to an influential figure in education and philanthropy is a powerful example of how public figures can leverage their platforms for lasting societal impact. His willingness to invest materially and emotionally in the next generation has arguably set a new standard for what leadership can look like in the entertainment industry.
As the ceremony concluded, the university community reflected on the ongoing changes programmes like the Stormzy Scholarship have inspired. With growing attention on widening participation and diversity in higher education, the continued celebration of such initiatives could signal further progress in making Britain’s elite universities accessible to all. Stormzy’s honorary doctorate stands not only as a personal accolade but as a beacon for others eager to make a meaningful difference in education.