India, Aug. 19 -- (By Ifedapo Francis Awolowo for the Conversation) The death of Professor Jason Arday has left many of us with a profound sense of sadness. For Black academics in particular, his loss feels deeply personal. Jason represented possibility - a reminder of what could be achieved despite the barriers that continue to shape Black people's experiences in education.

I had the privilege of knowing Jason and welcoming him to speak to scholars on the Accomplished Study Program in Research Excellence (Aspire), which was set up to address the underrepresentation of Black students progressing into doctoral education.

Jason had been facing accusations of plagiarism and resigned from his position at the University of Cambridge. He was ...