John Lewis shoppers will be able to find out about the University of Leicester’s Black history makers during October.
The University has teamed up with the Highcross shopping centre’s flagship department store to celebrate Black History Month.
Picture: John Lewis
The collaboration shines a spotlight on people of Black heritage from the University who have made a significant impact, through an in-store exhibition.
A series of story boards will be on display from Tuesday 1 October in John Lewis’ first-floor shop windows.
The boards will tell the stories of students, University staff and initiatives, including how Law students have helped victims of the Windrush scandal and the appointment of Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock as Chancellor in 2023 – the University’s first female Chancellor and the first person from an ethnic minority to take up the role.
Inside the building, in the Place to Eat restaurant, posters from the University’s catering provider LSP celebrating Black food innovators will also go on display.
The University’s gospel choir, The Revival, will also perform in-store on Saturday 5 October between midday and 3pm.
Humaa Noori, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Projects Manager at the University, said: “This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity for the University to showcase its Black history to a wider audience in the heart of Leicester.
“We’re proud to be able to champion the contributions of Black students and staff from the University in this way, and are grateful to John Lewis for teaming up with us to tell these important stories which have had an important impact not only at the University, but on Leicester’s Black history and beyond.”
Vaishali Solanki, John Lewis Leicester Brand Experience Manager, said: “Collaborating with the University on this project has been a fantastic experience. We’re excited to be able to help the stories from the University’s rich history of Black heritage reach a much wider audience, and we hope it resonates with our customers, fostering a sense of community and connection.”
The John Lewis collaboration is one of a series of events and initiatives the University is holding to mark Black History Month – find out more on the website.
John Lewis also has a full programme of Black History Month celebrations, including performances from the EAGA Gospel Choir and saxophonist Marcus Joseph.
There will also be displays around the store from Serendipity Arts, plus a Black History Month craft session held by Leicester Libraries and beauty pop-ups covering make-up, skin and hair care.
Visit the Leicester John Lewis Instagram page for more
