Wolverhampton University Students Union is turning Black History Month into a year of celebration, starting with a conference on leadership experiences.

The first event in a calendar of celebrations will take place on Wednesday, November 16, with the conference called Staying Power: Celebrating Black Leaders.

High profile speakers will talk about their experiences of leadership and there will be a panel discussion on Intersectionality and the Student Experience.

There will also be entertainment including a performance by vocalist Lady Bling, music from sitar player Gurdeep Singh Dharni and an appearance by renowned storyteller Peter Chand.

Nirmla Devi, CEO of the students’ union, said: “It’s going to be an exciting and vibrant event, kicking off our year of Black History events. We very much think Black History should be celebrated every day, and not just for a month, so we are expanding our events to fill a year.

“For this conference we are bringing together back leaders from the region to talk about their leadership journeys and experiences and we can’t wait to hear what they have to say.”

Kerensa Hodge, events executive from the students’ union and Bisola Olatunji, the students union’s vice president for community and wellbeing, will welcome guests.

Bisola added: “Black History celebration is a time to experience black excellence and resistance. The campaign this year is black history is not just for a month but throughout the whole academic year.

“This exciting event brings together leaders that inspire and students that make the reality of being able to reach higher levels of leadership as reality for all. Let’s not be defined by our colours rather, lets act on our humanity.”

Speakers at the conference will include Angela Spence, chairman of the university’s board of governors, and Adam Vasco, the university’s director of diversity and inclusion in professional practice.

The conference is free to attend and runs from noon to 3.30pm at the university’s Springfield Campus.

To book a place, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/staying-power-celebrating-black-leadership-tickets-466239714537