To celebrate Black Achievers in the month of October, the Black Achievers Awards were founded by Councillor Merlita Bryan and her team. This was the 9th year of hosting these awards in Nottingham. It was a memorable evening for all, bringing tears to some and smiles to many. Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) was proud to sponsor the Community Volunteer Award.
The evening was held on Saturday 15 October 2022 at the East Midlands Conference Centre and hosted by comedian Rudi Lickwood. The event saw winners from across Nottinghamshire who are an inspiration to others, and welcomed many individuals, including someone from the Windrush generation in his 90s, a renowned pastor in Nottingham, the first Black woman to become the High Sheriff of Nottingham, squadron leaders, writers, and many more.
Sharon, who came as a representative of the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) said, “I really enjoyed it and thought it was really vibrant, as well as being well organised. Our Office was proud to be involved in supporting this event and it would be good to see it receive wider support in future as we know that awards and recognition are critical for positive role modelling, true inclusivity, community cohesion and properly amplifying the voices and experiences of those from minority communities.”
Congratulations to the winners of this year’s award categories:
Young Achievers Award - Aaliyah Chantae-Thomas
Community Volunteer Award - Abdoulie Jah
Sports Person Award - Emily Campbell
Outstanding Parent Award - Chanalee Downer
Cultural, Music & Arts Award - Solomon Lewis Hunter
Most Transformed Life Award - Julia Paul
Black Business Woman Award - Mikayla Sinead
Learning, Skills & Employment Award - Edrissa Touray
Lifetime Community Contributor Award - Janet Rose
The Black Achievers Team would like to thank all the sponsors who were involved in sponsoring a category, a table or a specific item in this year’s black tie event.
The founder of the awards, former Lord Mayor and twice former Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Merlita says "I am so overwhelmed by how the Black Achievers Awards was received by everyone who attended. I would like to thank all the sponsors for their continued support of the Black Achievers Awards. Thanks to PCC who was the headline sponsors this year. Congratulations to all the winners. Thanks to Rolls Royce and The Royal Air Force Squadron 504 who attended for the first time, hope it will be the first of many to come. Thanks to my team, we will certainly continue to award people in and around the East Midlands. Looking forward to planning 2023."
The Process of planning for the Black Achievers Awards 2023 will start very soon. If you would like to sponsor one of the categories above, or would like to know more about other potential sponsorships, email blackachieversaward@gmail.com.
More information can be found on the Black Achievers Awards website.