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This spring, the Business School was buzzing with energy, purpose and pride as the Black Brilliance in Business project wrapped up an inspiring season of events - delivering not just career insights but a real sense of belonging for Black and Black heritage students at Sussex.

Funded by the Black at Sussex programme, this year’s project marked a powerful shift: from staff-led to student-powered. Under the guidance of Events and Communications Officer Clare Turner, a dynamic team of six students took full creative control, planning and delivering two events that created meaningful spaces for connection, professional development and celebration of Black excellence.

From Quiet Beginnings to Loud and Proud

While the first event—Network & Chill—was a small but warm and vibrant meet-up, it set the tone for what was to come. The second event, Black Brilliance BizFest, brought in over 75 attendees. Business School advisor and Mentor Sindi Gordan, who also sits on the steering committee as Black at Sussex helped the student team of 6 to clarify their plan and actions into an ambitious but achievable direction. Featuring talks from Sussex alum and chair of Black at Sussex Gavin Mensah Coker, speed networking with local businesses and alumni, powerful poetry from Tariq Brown and delicious food, the event drew over 75 attendees with a 95% turnout rate—unheard of for a free university event.

The impact was real. As one student attendee put it:

“Events like these are so important – they create spaces for inspiration, networking and community-building.”

Building Skills, Building Futures

For the six students who led the project, the experience was transformational. All reported that the project helped them develop critical career skills in communication, leadership and project management. Beyond that, they built friendships, gained confidence and saw the tangible impact of their work on the wider Sussex community.

“The experience of organising events has been extremely rewarding… creating something bigger than me for the community and seeing it prosper has been a reward in itself.”

Alumni and Local Businesses Showed Up and Showed Love

Five Black alumni and three local Black-led businesses joined the BizFest, offering insights, advice and encouragement. Alumni praised the initiative for putting the spotlight on Black excellence and making space for authentic conversations.

“It was truly empowering and, in my opinion, so necessary for students as they prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives.”
– Winnie Ikediashi, Sussex alum and BizFest caterer

The Stats Tell the Story

• 588 total engagements on LinkedIn with a 77.9% engagement rate
  
  

• 1,324 views on Instagram
  
  

• 100% of student organisers “strongly agreed” the project helped their career development
  
  

• Strong appetite from students, staff, and alumni for this to become a regular, annual fixture
  
  

What’s Next?

Feedback from attendees and the student team has been loud and clear: this project needs to continue. The success of Black Brilliance in Business shows the impact of intentional, student-led, culturally affirming spaces—and there's a growing appetite to make it bigger and better each year.

The Black at Sussex team and Business School are already exploring how to secure earlier funding and expand the offer for 2026. With continued support, Black Brilliance in Business has the potential to become a flagship annual celebration—centering Black voices, building community and changing the narrative at Sussex.

Links to images

https://www.flickr.com/photos/200879902@N04/albums/72177720324262358/with/54367882317

https://www.flickr.com/photos/200879902@N04/albums/72177720324840139/with/54423908569

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