Join the Black History Month event: Reclaiming Our Narratives on 30 October

In celebration of Black History Month this October, the Global Majority Staff Network are excited to invite all colleagues to a special event on Wednesday 30 October, where we will reflect on this year’s powerful theme, Reclaiming Our Narratives. Whether through lived experience or as an ally, this is a moment for us all to come together, listen, and learn.

The event will begin with an opening address from our Vice Chancellor, setting the stage for an inspiring day. We are honoured to welcome Dr Lalith Wijedoru as our keynote speaker. As a Wellbeing Consultant, Storyteller, and Facilitator, Dr Wijedoru’s work beautifully aligns with this year’s theme, and we look forward to his insights on how we can reclaim and amplify the stories of the Black community. Among the others joining him throughout the day will be our Chair of Governors, Angela Spence, alongside a series of fireside chats and interactive sessions led by colleagues across the University.

The Importance of Reclaiming Narratives

At the heart of this year’s theme is the recognition that many stories of the Black experience have been historically marginalised, distorted, or forgotten. Reclaiming Our Narratives is not just about telling our stories but ensuring that they are told accurately, in our own voices, and with the dignity they deserve. By reclaiming these narratives, we challenge the single story or stereotype that is often placed upon us, and instead, we present the fullness of our experiences, cultures, and histories.

This act of reclamation is powerful because it gives us the agency to define our identity rather than having it defined for us. It allows us to reflect on the past, learn from it, and reshape the future. As a community, we must continue to amplify these narratives, ensuring they are central to our discussions, curricula, and daily interactions at the university. This month let’s celebrate the strength that comes from owning our stories and supporting each other in doing the same.

Looking beyond the event

This event is just the beginning. Throughout October, we will continue to explore the theme of reclaiming narratives through weekly content. Julian Gwinnett will be hosting special Black History Month episodes of the DIIverse Podcast, where he will be speaking with guests who bring their own stories, experiences, and reflections to the conversation.

We warmly welcome everyone to attend and be part of this important celebration — let’s continue to reclaim, amplify, and honour the voices and narratives that shape our community.

Share your narrative 

If you have a story or narrative that you would like to share, we encourage you to reach out to the Chair of the Global Majority Staff Network, Dr Emeka Ibeachu at c.ibeachu@wlv.ac.uk, or Dave Anson at D.Anson@wlv.ac.ukthe or Vice Chair, Dr Juliet Drummond at Juliet.drummond@wlv.ac.uk. Your voice and experience are invaluable, and we want to hear from you.

We hope to see as many colleagues as possible join us in The Chancellor’s Hall on Wednesday 30 October from 9.30am-3pm 

Reserve your space here.