University News Last updated 20 May
Sir Lenny Henry has warned that diversity remains “under real threat” during his first annual inaugural lecture held at Birmingham City University (BCU) last week.
The actor, writer, and activist issued a call to action to “reclaim diversity” and highlighted the need for “real allies” to support greater representation in the media.
“I’m talking about raising an army – an alliance of like-minded activists that can harness individual talent and passion to create something unstoppable,” he said, adding that staying silent “keeps the cycle of exclusion spinning – and it leaves talented people locked out, frustrated, isolated, and broken.”
Sir Lenny concluded his address with a strong statement: “Equality should never be optional. Diversity is not a threat to excellence. Diversity is excellence.”
During his eight-year tenure as BCU Chancellor, Sir Lenny, 66, co-founded the Centre for Media Diversity, which now bears his name. He stepped down from the role in October last year but has remained involved with the Centre.
Launched in 2020, the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity is an independent body that brings together media professionals and academics to monitor and promote media diversity in the UK.
Sir Lenny was joined at the event by Professor Diane Kemp, Director of the Centre, and Professor Panayiota Tsatsou, who both shared valuable insights into their work.
Last week the Centre published UK Media Diversity Reporting 2021–2024: An Evaluation Report, which examines how sectors such as film, print, television, and streaming services can enhance their approach to monitoring diversity and inclusion.
Key research recommendations outlined in the lecture included the need for further exploration of diversity in online streaming platforms, and a call to realign diversity strategies to better address protected characteristics.
“Sir Lenny Henry’s speech felt like the starting pistol to get us all off our marks and into action,” said Professor Diane Kemp.
“It spoke directly to how diversity in the UK is being undermined and how the Centre is going to work on ideas put forward.
“For example, developing some messaging which reclaims Diversity from those who do it down.
“Both his call for us to be active allies against divisiveness in society and for us to come together more in supporting greater representation in the media industry – the Centre will be making plans on both those scores.”