ABSTRACT
This paper illuminates the importance of ‘good’ supervision and establishing relationships that offer the academic and pastoral care required to navigate the academic and emotional challenges students encounter when undertaking doctoral research. My doctoral research tells a story about ‘urban gun crime’ (UGC), a story informed by the views and experiences of African Caribbean community activists that presents an alternative perspective from within a community under suspicion and affected by inner-city violence. Through an analysis of the interconnection between ‘urban gun crime’, community activism and the researcher, my thesis shows how race, racialisation and racism shape the everyday lives of Black communities in the UK. Through presenting a story from the margin about Black activism and self-organisation, I made visible my positioning; my identity as a Black woman and mother of Caribbean origin who is embedded in an African Caribbean community while simultaneously holding a research position within the academy. This compelled me to consider my approach, to question issues of subjectivity and objectivity, and revealed the significance of supervision, characterised by positively working with me to shape and navigate the research I did and helping me to stay true to my work and values.
