A Liverpool academic who made history as his university’s first Black African full professor has received a prestigious national award
Professor Amos Fatokun, of Liverpool John Moores University, was named Trailblazer of the Year at the 2026 Black Talent Awards in Birmingham.
Judges praised his exceptional influence across research, education, mentoring and racial equality with work supporting students and early-career researchers internationally.
It was described by judges as setting a benchmark rarely seen across any category.
Professor Fatokun was presented with the Trailblazer Award during the black-tie ‘Chapter Five’ ceremony at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham that brought together professionals, entrepreneurs, employers and community leaders from across the country.
In a letter sent to mark the fifth-anniversary awards, Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised the organisation’s work in celebrating inclusive employers and Black professionals, entrepreneurs and future leaders across the UK.
He said the country should respect people’s contribution and give everyone “a fair chance to get on in life,” while stressing the importance of celebrating diverse communities and acknowledging the barriers to opportunity that still exist.
Selected from more than 300 nominations, the 2026 winners were chosen by an independent panel of 20 senior leaders drawn from sectors including law, technology, media, education and healthcare.
The judging process was also supported by five youth judges, reflecting the Black Talent Awards’ commitment to developing future leaders and bringing an intergenerational perspective to the programme.
Denise Myers, founder of the Black Talent Awards, said: “Every name on this year’s winners’ list represents skill, leadership, resilience and achievement.
“These are people and organisations changing workplaces, building businesses, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for others.
“The awards began as a grassroots initiative here in Birmingham and have grown into a national platform that has now recognised 112 winners.
“That is an important milestone, but the real measure of our impact is what happens after the applause: the connections made, the doors opened and the next generation inspired.
“Our winners are not simply the promise of tomorrow. They are shaping Britain today, and they deserve to be recognised at that scale.”