Professor Gus John Inaugural Lecture

Professor Gus John has sustained a powerful and enduring relationship with Leicester and the institutions that later became De Montfort University for more than five decades. His connection began in 1968 as a postgraduate student at the National College for the Training of Youth Leaders, where his fieldwork in Highfields sparked a lifelong commitment to the city’s communities. A pioneering researcher, he led the national action‑research project on multiracial youth work (1973–1980), culminating in the influential text In the Service of Black Youth (1981), which transformed youth work, teacher training and anti‑racist practice across the UK. His impact extends internationally, advising governments, NGOs and educational institutions across Europe, the Caribbean and Africa on race equality, social justice and education reform. Professor John’s academic contributions to Leicester include roles as visiting lecturer, external examiner and advisor on the Youth and Community Work degree. DMU recognised his influence with an Honorary Doctor of Education in 1996 and, most recently, a Championship Award for his outstanding contributions to race equality, education and community empowerment. His legacy remains deeply woven into the fabric of both the university, the city, the UK and beyond.

Inaugural Guest Lecturer: Dr Ama Biney

Dr Ama Biney is a British‑Ghanaian historian, journalist and political scientist whose work has shaped contemporary understandings of African liberation thought and Black global histories. For more than 25 years, she has lectured on African and Caribbean history, the history of Black people in Britain, and international relations at institutions including Middlesex University, Birkbeck College, the University of Liverpool and Webster University Ghana. A former Editor‑in‑Chief of Pambazuka News, her writing has appeared in New African, African Studies Quarterly and South African History Online.

She is the author of The Political and Social Thought of Kwame Nkrumah and co‑editor of Speaking Truth to Power: Selected Pan‑African Postcards of Tajudeen Abdul‑Raheem. Her work also features in Margaret Busby’s acclaimed anthology New Daughters of Africa.

A lifelong learner whose academic journey began at the University of Birmingham’s Centre of West African Studies, Dr Biney brings a powerful Pan‑Africanist voice to the inaugural Prof Gus John Lecture.

Facilitator/Master of Ceremonies: Henry Bonsu (TV and Radio personality):

Henry Bonsu (born 1967) is a British radio presenter, journalist, and broadcaster, currently hosting late-evening programmes on Times Radio.

He began his career in print journalism before moving to the BBC, where he worked across news, current affairs, and documentary reporting. Over time, he has built a diverse media career, contributing to both radio and television, and co-founding Colourful Radio to serve Black audiences in the UK.

In addition to broadcasting, Bonsu is an experienced conference moderator, including work with the United Nations. His career highlights a strong commitment to journalism, public discourse, and representation in media.

The session will conclude with a panel discussion, joined by our guest of honour, Professor Gus John.

Note: Location: Tuesday, 23rd June, 5:00–8:30pm at De Montfort University in Hawthorn Building, Room 00.36, Leicester. LE2 YGZ

Registration will take place from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, during which refreshments will be provided. The lecture will commence at 6:00 pm and conclude at 8:00 pm, followed by a 30-minute networking session.

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