Liverpool John Moores University is hosting an inclusion event in November with several keynote speakers.
The "Inclusivity Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Next Steps for Tangible Inclusion" event has been organised outside of Black History month in October as the organisers say they want to highlight the idea that issues around race should not be confined to mainly that month.
The event takes place on November 16 at the Exhibition Space, LJMU John Lennon Arts & Design Building. Event organiser Moni Akinsanya, LJMU Head of Diversity and Inclusion told the ECHO: "Every organisation should develop cultures that ensure inclusivity. Everyone needs to have a sense of belonging, feel part of the community, able to work or study and fulfil their potential.
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"Our speakers are nationally recognised experts in this area and will bring best practice from various sectors and share concrete ideas on how we can achieve inclusivity for all. Participants are expected to leave with ideas on how to achieve culture change with regard to race equality (and) equip participants with creative ways of ensuring everyone has a sense of belonging".
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Mayor Joanne Anderson and Vice Chancellor Professor Mark Power will introduce the topic "Exploring the lack of diversity at all levels in higher education and beyond."
Guest speaker Chris Lubbe, Nelson Mandela’s former bodyguard, will speak about his experiences as he was not only worked with the South African leader but was an activist against the Apartheid system in the country. Chris said of Mandela: "Apart from being a charismatic leader, one of Mandela's greatest gifts was his ability to reach out to people regardless of social standing. Protecting Mandela was quite a challenge because he would always want to meet and greet ordinary people.
"One occasion in London, Mandela insisted on walking into the city to buy his favourite pen, despite us pleading with him not to. Of course, he got his own way and started walking and brought the city of London to a standstill, which soon became a nightmare for us. Eventually, the Met Police intervened and helped us to get him out safely."
Professor Jason Arday, Professor of Sociology of Education at the University of Glasgow will speak. He told the ECHO: "Becoming one of the youngest professors in the UK and the youngest Black professor at the time of my appointment, while life-changing, illuminated the amount of suffering I had endured on my way to arriving at that destination.
"Ultimately my eternal aim throughout my academic career has been to eradicate this suffering for Black and Minority Ethnic academics in the Academy. Coming back to Liverpool John Moores is an honour given my previous relationship with the organisation as a graduate and former member of academic staff'."
Anyika Onuora, Team GB global sprint medallist and writer, alongside David Mba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Arts London, will also speak.
For booking information visit Eventbrite here:
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