Today marks the last day of Black History Month, and also the end of some incredible student involvement with events held by both the Students' Union and the University.
We caught up with Dayo Odubonojo, one of the main drivers behind #BlackHistoryMonthStaffs to get his take on how it went.
"It was a tough month, but it was great to see so many people wanting to help. We had involvement from a range of different cultures, the university, the students and we even managed to get celebrity endorsement in the form of Nina Nannar. There was a real presence."
Dayo added that he was aware that Black History Month may not have been focused on as much as it should have over the last few years: "I think that the awareness of it has been a little lost.
"Black History Month is important to black history, not just for the black community but for everyone to understand the progression we have made over the years."
There has been a range of events going on this month. For example, during Welcome Week, the officer team managed to secure a photograph with notable people such as: famous journalist Nina Nannar, the new Chancellor of the University - Lord Stafford and former Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Mike Wolfe holding up the #BlackHistoryMonthStaffs banner.
In the Students’ Union in Stoke, a graduate’s artwork has been showcased in the middle since the start of the month. Michelle Gregory’s ‘Sugar and Slavery’ is a piece of art that shows the molecular structure of sugar constructed using faux balls and chains.
One Media Radio (OMG) also dedicated one of their Transmission nights to commemorate Black History Month, with Dayo performing. See one of his videos ‘The World’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Dk-Gq18_Pc
OMG was also successful in managing to get one of their Management Team – Shalomi Cole - to speak at BBC West Midlands radio to talk about the work that has been going on for BHM.
Dayo said: "We hope to pass on the hard work that has gone into this month to the next officer team. We owe a lot to the university and the union for bringing this awareness to a wider audience, and I hope this continues year on year.
"I feel the importance of Black History Month has transcenced to outside of the university and union. We have educated our students as well as the outside community.
"I would call that a success."