As part of our mission to celebrate, motivate and empower Black communities across the UK, Black Excellence UK partnered with Loughborough Business School to host a powerful Black History Month event on October 11, 2024. Themed Legacy and Leadership: Reclaiming the Narrative, the event explored the importance of Black leadership and the legacy we’re building for future generations.
The day began with opening remarks from Professor Jan Godsell, Dean of Loughborough Business School, who welcomed the audience and emphasized the school’s vision to become the leading destination for purpose-driven, business-minded individuals by 2030. Professor Godsell highlighted the significance of events like these in creating a space where Black excellence and leadership can thrive.
The first speaker, Dr. Ashiedu Joel, founder of Ashiom Consults Ltd. and elected council member in Leicester City, shared her insights on reclaiming narratives in leadership and legacy. She spoke passionately about challenging the erasure of Black voices in political and economic spaces and stressed the importance of creating platforms where Black voices can define their own stories. Dr. Joel also emphasized the role of media in driving Black narratives, calling for diverse and authentic portrayals of Black leadership. “The power of Black leadership,” she stated, “lies in its ability to redefine progress for marginalized communities. This requires a collective effort in every sector where we are present.”
The power of Black leadership lies in its ability to redefine progress for marginalized communities. This requires a collective effort in every sector where we are present. – Dr Ashiedu Joel
Following her, Olusiji Sanya, Co-Founder and CFO of fintech company Tranzfar, reflected on his journey as an entrepreneur and the evolution of Black history in business. Drawing from his experiences building Tranzfar, he shared valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and persistence. “The journey in the middle is the most important part,” he remarked, acknowledging the necessity of navigating setbacks as learning opportunities. Sanya inspired the audience to dream big, play the long game, remain adaptable, and always look for ways to create lasting impact.
The event closed with a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage deeply with both speakers on topics of representation, resilience, and creating space for Black voices. Dr. Deji Akiwowo, the convener of Black Excellence UK, then thanked everyone for their support in making the event a success.
As the speakers left us with their final words, their message was clear and inspiring: Dream big, play the long game, stay ready for new opportunities, and remember, it’s okay to land unexpectedly—as long as you rise again. In reclaiming our narrative, we’re not just building a legacy; we’re defining a path for future Black leaders to lead boldly, transform industries, and create meaningful change.
You can watch the entire event here on our YouTube channel
