'Diversity is under threat', says Dudley-born comedian Sir Lenny Henry, as he calls for 'activist army'

Sir Lenny said diversity was 'under real threat' and highlighted the need for 'real allies' to support greater representation in the media.

The Dudley-born comedian-turned-academic, who served for eight years as Chancellor of Birmingham City University, was giving his inaugural annual lecture to the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, which he co-founded in 2020.

The centre is an independent body that brings together media professionals and academics to monitor and promote diversity in the industry.

He told the audience: “I’m talking about raising an army – an alliance of like-minded activists that can harness individual talent and passion to create something unstoppable,” adding that staying silent 'keeps the cycle of exclusion spinning – and it leaves talented people locked out, frustrated, isolated, and broken.'

Concluding his address, he added: “Equality should never be optional. Diversity is not a threat to excellence. Diversity is excellence.”

Sir Lenny,. 66, retired as the university's chancellor in October last year.

He was joined at the event by centre director, Prof Diane Kemp, and Prof Panayiota Tsatsou, who both shared insights into their work.

Last week the centre published its UK Media Diversity Report 2021–2024, which examined how sectors such as film, print, television, and streaming services could enhance their approach to monitoring diversity and inclusion.

Important 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.

Prof Kemp said afterwards: "Sir Lenny Henry’s speech felt like the starting pistol to get us all off our marks and into action. 

“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."

She said the centre would respond to his call to be active allies against divisiveness, and to come together in supporting greater representation in the media industry.