Celebration, reflection, and recognition at University of Leicester Black History Month events
The University of Leicester is celebrating Black History Month with a series of events and activities exploring Black stories both past and present to highlight the achievements, experiences, and successes of Black cultural figures and communities.
Staff, students and the general public are invited to explore the University’s work around race inclusion throughout October.
This year’s theme, Beyond Representation: Commitment to Change, was shaped by the University’s 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 Leicester’s recognition and celebration of Black History Month is authentic, engaging, and deeply rooted in their lived experiences.
This year, the programme of events will spotlight initiatives such as the Black Student Experience Programme, the Black Excellence and Black Leadership Programmes, and the Len Garrison MA Scholarship, each designed to uplift, empower, and create real opportunities for our Black community.
At the start of this academic year, the University also launched its Black Students’ Guide to Leicester in collaboration with De Montfort University, a resource that offers recommendations from students of Black heritage from the University of Leicester. Some of the businesses recommended by the Guide will be offering free haircuts and food tasting on campus on Wednesdays throughout October, supporting the University’s long-term commitment to equity and belonging.
The events taking place this month include:
The Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture by honorary graduate Lord Simon Woolley, one of the UK's leading voices on equality, social justice, and democratic participation, entitled ‘The AI genie is out, but who will it serve?’ on 12 October
- A play by Steelacts Production titled ‘You are African Before Anything’ on 14 October. Tickets are free and refreshments will be provided.
- ‘The Life of African American GIs in Britain in WWII’ book launch at the David Wilson Library, 21 October
- An online coaching and mentoring event on 22 October
A full list of events is available on the Black History Month website.
Dr Nora Musyoka, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the College of Business and Chair of the Race Equity Action Group, said: “Black History Month provides an important moment to reflect, recognise and re-energise, but our commitment cannot end when October does. The work of racial equity never ends. Instead, it must continue 365 days a year, year in year out.
“Representation opens the door; commitment keeps it open. Together, through courage, purpose and sustained action, let us widen that door, remove the barriers beyond it and build a university where every Black student and member of staff is seen, heard, valued and empowered to thrive, and where Black excellence can flourish for generations to come.”
Cleo Cornou, Communities Officer at the University of Leicester Students' Union, 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.”
Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor, 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.
“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.”