Since 2013, NCVS has been proud to sponsor the Black Achievers Awards. Since 2016, Davia McKoy, NCVS Projects Support Administrator, has played an integral role in ensuring the smooth running of the event. This year, our Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Billie Ault, had the privilege of attending the awards on behalf of NCVS and presenting a very special award to a very special lady.
The Black Achievers Awards (BAAs) celebrate the accomplishments and positive impact of the Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) community, aiming to counter long-standing stereotypes by highlighting inspiring Black role models. Now in its eleventh year under the dedicated leadership of Hon. Alderman Merlita Bryan, the BAAs have grown to recognise achievements across Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Warwickshire.
This year, I had the privilege of attending on behalf of NCVS. Knowing the importance of representation, I felt the responsibility to make NCVS proud. Unsure of what the night would hold—besides the black-tie dress code—one thing I did know, as anything Davia is involved with, it would be a truly glamorous evening! With two weeks to go, I ordered a new dress and accessories, ready for a memorable night.
Held on Saturday 26 October 2024, at the Nottingham Belfry Hotel and Spa, the evening began with a red-carpet entrance, complimentary drinks, and lively mingling. Before we took our seats, I picked up a BAA-branded cupcake and some pens (handy for any occasion!). The evening’s host, Rudi Lickwood, an inspiration himself as one of the first Black comedians at the BBC and with over 25 years in the industry, entertained us with his wit, expertly keeping the evening on schedule.
Hon. Alderman Merlita Bryan and Rudi Lickwood - AnnaMarie, Candid Photography (photos by Kimberley Pennant)
The event opened with an address from Nick Rubins, High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, followed by an invocation from Bishop Lincoln Davis. As the first course—chicken liver terrine on toasted brioche with onion chutney—was served, we enjoyed music from saxophonist Rob Saxman. My table was a distinguished group, including Richard Burton, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, and Cllr Devontay Okure. Gary Godden, Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, gave an inspiring speech and invited to the stage some equally inspiring guests: Cllr Angela Kandola, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner; Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts (Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner and the first ever Black Police and Crime Commissioner); and Veronica Pickering, Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire.
From left to right: Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Veronica Pickering, Cllr Angela Kandola, Police and Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts and Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire Gary Godden
As we enjoyed our second course: chicken breast, garlic dauphinoise potatoes, confit carrot, and thyme jus. There was even a plate going spare, and Cllr Devontay wasted no time in carving up the spare chicken to hand out around the table—waste not, want not! A dazzling performance by The Show Girls and a powerhouse vocal display by Donna Briscoe-Green added to the evening’s excitement. We also enjoyed our dessert course, vanilla crème brûlée with berry compote and all butter shortbread. I was also kindly gifted half a cheesecake each from Richard and Devontay (a fact you might appreciate if you have read about my last outing with Davia), who both enjoyed additional crème brûlée's each.
Donna Briscoe-Green
Then it was time for the awards, with the following inspiring individuals recognised first:
- Krystal Wachira – Young Achievers (sponsored by Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commission)
- Dionne Reid – Health and Social Care (sponsored by Core Aquatics)
- Charm Daley – Sports Person (sponsored by Nottingham CityCare)
- Tanya Davis – Outstanding Parent of the Year (sponsored by Tick Tock All Stars Nursery)
Next, a vibrant fashion show by AmMägi captured everyone’s attention before we resumed with the final awards. Nervous but honoured, I was set to present the Community Award, sponsored by NCVS.
- Veronica Barnes - Community (sponsored by NCVS)
- Mahalia Edwards - Cultural, Music and Arts (sponsored by Tuntum housing association)
- Gary George - Most Transformed Life (sponsored by University of Nottingham)
- Sarah Louise Powell - Black Businessperson (sponsored by New Ethos Nottingham)
We were told to keep it brief on the night but there are no time constraints here! The nominees for the Community category were:
- Richard Taiwo - for assisting newly arrived families to settle well in England
- Rebekah Henry - for keeping families with babies and toddlers to feel connected and safe through the pandemic and beyond
- Veronica Barnes - for a lifetime of service to African and Caribbean communities
- Gary George - for mentoring people away from gang culture and knife crime and other harmful circumstances
Unfortunately, we could only choose one person to receive the award and this year it went to Veronica Barnes.
Community Award Winner, Veronica Barnes
Veronica came to Nottingham at age 15 and over the years has become an active and integral member of the Black Caribbean Community. One of her most notable contributions was the rescue and preservation of an important archive of Black history and culture that was in danger of being lost.
Veronica has been active in many local organisations, such as the International Community Centre, the Marcus Garvey Centre and Boys Club, and Hyson Green, to name just a few. In more recent years, Veronica started the Blue Mountain Women’s Group to champion the challenges of ageing Black women. The name is inspired by her Jamaican homeland.
In the words of the Blue Mountain Women’s Group in support of Veronica’s nomination:
‘Veronica, she has served her community well. As a holder, protector, and preserver of the legacies of African and Caribbean history. As a bastion of women’s medical needs and rights for those going through the menopause and for creating positive spaces in her community to learn and share. Proudly Jamaican and British, trustworthy and determined, and yet so unassuming. Veronica has just turned 80 years young and is still adding to her wealth of knowledge, attending other skilled courses, adding other strings to her bow, and will most likely be sharing those too.’
Congratulations, Veronica, and many thanks from Nottingham CVS and the community of Nottingham!
Rudi shared a comedic story on the dangers of hot food and greed from the book The Purpose of My Life by Doreen McKenzie, providing a humorous interlude, before announcing the evening’s final honours:
- Gary George – Lifetime Community Contributor (sponsored by NurseReady)
- Pastor Canon Christian Weaver – Special Award on behalf of the Black Achievers Team (presented by Nick Rubins, who also gifted Rudi with a bottle of hot sauce)
The evening concluded with an uplifting performance by Lurine Cato MBE, whose song Wave It Away had us all waving our napkins and saying goodbye to any lingering blues. Here's a link to her Spotify.
Lurine and Davia waving the blues away
You can still catch the night’s highlights on the Black Achievers Awards YouTube channel (the NCVS Community Award is timestamped at 3hrs40). If you'd like to support or get involved with the Black Achievers Awards 2025, reach out to their team at theblackachieversaward@gmail.com, visit their website, or follow them on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Jules, NCVS CEO, would like to say:
We have been proud sponsors of the Black Achievers Awards since the beginning and every year we continue to be humbled by the incredible community contributions of our nominees and worthy winners. The Awards continue to develop and prosper and we plan to be part of the amazing event for as long as they will have us. Special shout out to this year's winner of the Community Award, Veronica Barnes...thank you for your lifetime of service!
Billie and Davia pose for a photo
Credits:
- AnnaMarie, Candid Photography
- Photos by Ryan Hall Studios - click here to view the collection, you will have to enter an email address to view.
- Videography by Prince Pictures, Facebook and LinkedIn - to follow soon
