Student gospel choir to give pop-up concert at Leicester’s John Lewis for Black History Month

A student gospel choir will entertain John Lewis shoppers as part of the University of Leicester’s Black History Month celebrations.

The Revival choir will appear in the Highcross department store’s ground-floor atrium on Sunday 12 October, between 11am and 1pm.

The pop-up concert is part a series of events taking place throughout the month of October, which have been coordinated by the University and its Staff Multi-Ethnicity Forum, Students’ Union and Attenborough Arts Centre.

Full details of all Black History Month events can be found on the website, but some of the highlights include:

• Screening of the jazz soul poetry film Infectious followed by a Q&A with the director, cast and crew
• An evening exploring colonial legacies in archives, museums and public spaces with author and broadcaster, Emma Dabiri, and theologian and filmmaker, Professor Robert Beckford
• An evening celebrating the poetry and words of international poet John Agard
• An in conversation event with University Chancellor, Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock.

Cleo Cornou, Students’ Union Communities Officer, said: “Black History Month is a time of celebration and awareness that the Students' Union looks forward to every year.

“This October, we, in collaboration with the University, have settled on a theme that reflects our investment and desire for equality: Beyond Representation: Commitment to Change. Although a month dedicated to awareness is extremely valuable and necessary, it is imperative for us to consistently make efforts towards making our campus inclusive to black students and staff. And this goes beyond representation, so we are committing to change. Change to offer a welcoming environment now and in the years to come, to ensure black students and staff feel like they belong within our community, and to support black students to succeed by making their experience fair and enjoyable.

“This year, the Students' Union is introducing a new role as part of our commitment to change: the Ethnic Equity Part Time Officer. Patrick Abor, who takes on this role, will be working to amplify the voices of Black and ethnically diverse students during Black History Month and beyond. This role gives more specific attention to ethnic equity, compared to the previous title of Liberation Officer.

“The Students' Union will also be organising a series of events throughout Black History Month, to celebrate our black students and to raise awareness to the work that still needs to be done before we reach equality.”

University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, said: “At the University of Leicester, diversity and inclusion are not just values, we live them.

“Black History Month is a powerful moment to honour the rich heritage, achievements, and lived experiences of our Black students and staff. It’s a time to celebrate, reflect, and recommit to meaningful change. 

“This year’s theme, Beyond Representation: Commitment to Change, was shaped by our Black History Month Lived Experiences Steering Group, made up of Black students and staff, ensuring the month truly reflects the voices and realities of our community. Their leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that our recognition and celebration of Black History Month is authentic, engaging, and deeply rooted in lived experience. 

“We’re proud to spotlight initiatives like the Black Student Experience Programme, the Black Excellence and Leadership Programmes, and the Len Garrison MA Scholarship, each designed to uplift, empower, and create real opportunities for our Black community. These efforts are part of our long-term commitment to equity and belonging. 

“Black History Month is more than a celebration, it’s a call to action. We all have a role to play in building an anti-racist university where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and supported. 

“We invite you to take part in events, conversations, and celebrations throughout October. Alongside this there are lots of opportunities for you to get involved in our wider work around race inclusion. Let’s come together to recognise how the past shapes our lives today where change is not just promised but delivered.”