Leading voices join 'Beyond Black History Month'
Leading voices, including historian, author, and current BBC ‘faithful’ Professor David Olusoga, joined the university for The Beyond Black History Month Symposium on campus.
200+ attendees
More than 200 individuals across the student, staff and wider LJMU community came together for the event which focussed on key topics, from degree awarding gaps to celebrating the richness of intersectional identities, and how we can all shape a more equitable 2026 together.
The symposium forms part of LJMU’s October Black History Month celebrations. Taking place in November, the event is a reminder that Black history and the university’s commitment to race equality should be recognised all year round.
Incredible speakers
The university was joined by leading voices across various sectors, who each, in their own way, challenge us to see Britain as it really is, and to imagine what it can still become, including:
- British Nigerian historian, author, filmmaker and BBC The Traitors Finalist David Olusoga OBE
- Birmingham City University Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education, Professor Marcia A. Wilson
- University of Lancashire researcher Dr Victoria Ibezim whose work focuses on race, equity, and student experiences in higher education
- Author, chef and wellness advocate, Lorraine Pascal
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark Power opened the event and highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion, he said:
“We must continue to create spaces where everyone feels they belong and where difference is not only respected but celebrated.
“At LJMU, we are proud to be building a university, and a city, that is fairer, braver, and more inclusive than the one we inherited, We are leading the way with initiatives like our Reciprocal Mentoring Scheme, a programme that gives us the chance to learn from the lived experiences of Black colleagues and students, and with our diversity and inclusion funded projects, which help us challenge inequality, promote representation, and embed inclusive practice across our institution and beyond.
"These programmes have allowed us to share best practice with organisations nationally and show how taking action can make a real difference to equity, diversity and inclusion.”
“Being inclusive is not about everyone being the same, it’s about ensuring that everyone has the same right to thrive.”
Let’s keep the conversation alive, beyond this month, and beyond these walls. Because Black history is British history. And equality, real equality, is everyone’s fight.
Associate Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Moni Akinsanya
Closing the event, Associate Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Moni Akinsanya, said:
“Thank you to everyone who shared, listened and reflected with such openness today. We’ve heard extraordinary voices; Professor David Olusoga reminding us that history is never past; Professor Marcia Wilson calling for equity in education; Dr Victoria Ibezim amplifying Black student voices; and Lorraine Pascale showing us the power of reinvention.
“This has been a celebration of Black identity because Black culture isn’t a sidebar to history, it’s the heartbeat of it. Yet celebration must sit alongside truth. Being Black in Britain still means facing inequalities that should have no place in a fair society.
“If you take one thing from the event, let it be this: progress needs participation. It’s not the job of those who are marginalised to fix the systems that marginalise them, it’s the responsibility of all of us. Let’s keep the conversation alive, beyond this month, and beyond these walls. Because Black history is British history. And equality, real equality, is everyone’s fight."
Find out more about diversity and inclusion at LJMU
From activities and campaigns to network training and events, find out more about diversity and inclusion at LJMU.
