Leicester’s first Black History Month Awards were a dazzling success, with a string of awards given to inspiring and talented individuals.
The event, which took place last Wednesday, (November 13) was organised by Pukaar Group in association with the Royal Air Force (RAF). Guests gathered at Winstanley House for a celebration of the city’s Black talent – people who have excelled in areas such as business, media and community.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
The event was a glamorous affair with a black-tie dress code, attended by a diverse crowd of community members, leaders, and supporters, including the Lord Mayor of Leicester Bhupen Dave and Leicestershire’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant Colonel David Young. Sumeer Kalyani of ITV News Central hosted the event and Romail Gulzar, founder of Pukaar Group, cut the ribbon to mark its official opening.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
The evening featured inspiring speeches, heartfelt tributes, and entertainment that showcased the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Black community as well as Grace Richardson, the current Miss Leicestershire, who sang a stunning medley of songs. Caribbean dancer Tia Carter performed a show-stopping routine and saxophonist Rob Charles played a delightful repertoire as guests enjoyed dinner.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Awards were presented in various categories, including business, media and community service, recognising the hard work and dedication of those who have made a significant impact in their respective fields.
One of the highlights of the night was the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to Agnes Nisbett for her decades of service and commitment as a former midwife, setting up the ‘Born Whilst Sleeping’ programme. The audience gave a standing ovation as she delivered a moving acceptance speech, expressing gratitude and calling for continued efforts to support and uplift the black community.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Agnes’s efforts were fuelled by her own tragic stillbirth in 1973.
“I’m blown away to know that my story has had such a ripple effect,” she said after receiving her award.
“It’s not a happy story, but I took my heartbreak and turned it into the purpose of my career.”
A second lifetime achievement award was presented to Professor Ivan Browne, former Director for Public Health for Leicester City Council, at the forefront leading the city through the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is my absolute privilege to serve this city. It’s the best thing that I’ve ever been able to do,” he said in his acceptance speech.
“For me, the honour has been that this city trusted me at a time of crisis, to help guide them through. So thank you very much.”
The event also included performances by local artists, who brought the audience to their feet with their powerful renditions of songs celebrating Black history and culture. The evening concluded with a call to action, urging attendees to continue supporting and advocating for the rights and recognition of black individuals in all aspects of society.
A raffle and auction raised £2,000, which will be donated to the Leicestershire Police Memorial Garden fund.
Other awards on the night were given to Charmaine Marufu, who took home the Young Achiever Award.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Whether through community outreach, church leadership, or her role at Severn Trent, this 25-year-old is dedicated to uplifting others and bringing hope, unity and support to those around.
“There were so many great nominations and so many young people who are all doing amazing things, so I was honoured to be picked,” she said.
“It gives me great confidence and makes me feel really proud to be recognised for the work I’ve been doing.”
Next up was the Community Award, which was won by Paul Brown.
Paul has been a part of the YMCA for 27 years, making history as the first Black CEO for YMCA England and Wales at YMCA Leicestershire.
Simon Phillips took home the Media Personality Award, with BBC Radio Leicester’s Kevin Ncube highly recommended.
Picture credit: Simon Phillips (centre) with Ivan Browne and Mel Thomas
From his humble beginnings at Pirate Radio in Leicester, to broadcasting on Capital Radio’s evening show, Simon has enjoyed an impressive career, where he’s been at the forefront of pioneering Black music to a wider audience.
Mel Thomas QPM was given the Working Professional Award, for his distinguished career within Leicestershire Police – one which saw him awarded a QPM in the Queen’s final birthday honours list.
“I feel really privileged that a panel has decided that I deserve this award,” he said.
“I was a young Black kid who was told I was a problem to manage. But I was also the young Black kid who believed I could do something, and so I kicked those doors in to get to where I wanted to. I’d say to any young Black kid ‘just do it,’ don’t let anyone tell you you can’t.”
In the Business category ‘Soul and Sculpt’ – a Leicester based community fitness group was triumphant.
It is run by Naomi Tansey and Siobhian Johnson, who were delighted by their win.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
“It’s been such hard work to get where we are, and for our project to be recognised tonight and given the funding from the National Lottery to do what we love to do is just incredible,” Siobhian told the Leicester Times. “Now women can come to our gym for free – it’ll be inclusive and will transform their whole entire mindset.”
The Black History Month Awards in Leicester not only honoured the achievements of the past but also inspired hope and determination for the future. It was a night of celebration, reflection, and unity, reminding everyone of the importance of recognising and valuing the contributions of Black people in the community.
The event was supported by organisations such as De Montfort University, BBC Radio Leicester, POS 247 and Pukaar Magazine.
One of the keynote speakers was Flight Lieutenant Luke Nettleford of the Royal Air Force.
Rob Nixon, Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police, also spoke about the importance of Black History Month.
“Anything that brings people together to celebrate achievements and celebrate the Black community has got to be a good thing,” he said.
“Black History Month is a really important part of the calendar. It’s not just an opportunity to recognise the journey and the heritage and pay tribute to that, but it’s also an opportunity to amplify and put a magnifying glass on the good work that is going on – celebrating all those who are making such a difference in the communities of Leicester.”
Picture credit: Pukaar News
The full list of winners and highly commended:
YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD
Winner: Charmaine Marufu
Highly Commended: Joel Fearon
COMMUNITY AWARD
Winner: Paul Brown
Highly Commended: Cheryl Armatrading
MEDIA PERSONALITY AWARD
Winner: Simon Phillips
Highly Commended: Kevin Ncube
WORKING PROFESSIONAL AWARD
Winner: Meldin Thomas QPM
Highly Commended: Inspector Yakub Ismail
BUSINESS / SPECIAL EVENT AWARD
Winner: Soul and Sculpt
Special Events Award: John Lewis & Partners (Leicester)
Highly Commended: Gina Samuel-Richards
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Winner: Agnes Nisbett
Winner: Ivan Browne
Highly Commended: Suleman Nagdi
