Anthony Kelly
British born Tony Kelly was raised in Jamaica and returned to England in 1979 living in Birmingham with his family ever since. As a Mico Teachers’ College graduate he taught English & Religious Education in Kingston high schools. Tony worked in local & central government for 30 years before early retirement as a middle manager of equity, equality, diversity and inclusion. Among his qualifications is a Socio-Legal studies master’s degree from University of Birmingham. For nearly 8 years from June 2012 Tony was a Diabetes UK Community Champion devoting his time educating communities in Britain and further afield about health and well-being in relation to diabetes, in his case a hereditary medical condition. He is proud to have controlled his type 2 diabetes with physical activity & diet since diagnosis 18 years ago and has never taken medication, thus proving it can be done with the right mind-set, discipline and motivation. Six years ago Dr. Richard Mendelsohn, the medical director for NHS Birmingham & Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group, now Integrated Care System (ICS) saw Tony asking some probing questions at a South Asian Health Foundation diabetes conference and during the break invited him to join the diabetes group which he chairs. He accepted from then and since 2020 is the organisation’s Diabetes Strategic Patient Partner and is separately an Ambassador/Advocate in the wider community. Tony is in demand for radio/television/webinar interviews about type 2 diabetes and runs free workshops. He is featured in healthy lifestyle videos with some on the internet, emphasising his positive approach in managing/controlling his diabetes. June 2018 Tony was interviewed live on BBC 2 TV at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth hospital for the 70th anniversary celebration of the National Health Service. July 2018 Tony delivered diabetes sessions in Dominica with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Trust, raising awareness in particular of preventable sight loss from diabetes which is rampant in Belize, St. Lucia, Jamaica and Dominica. June 2019 he visited Canada to raise awareness of diabetes. Tony is a patient expert by experience with three universities as a Patient & Public Involvement (PPI) representative. He was one of two public members of the Scientific Advisory Board, United Kingdom – Coronavirus Immunology Consortium (UK-CIC) led by Birmingham University’s Professor Paul Moss and was involved with another COVID-19 research project led by Dr. Ian Maidment, Aston University on community pharmacy literature review. He averages 140+ diabetes community engagements per year in Britain and in 2019 did a staggering 195. Tony wrote a monthly article for the free Phoenix Black newspaper for three years and now writes bi-monthly on a range of topics for an online publication www.CaribDirect.com. He is the secretary of the West Midlands Jamaican Diaspora UK and an active member of that national organization’s health and well=being group. Tony was headhunted by Dr. Mo Shaikh to become a member of the Clinical Research Network – West Midlands Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (Public) Research Champions Group. Pro-social modelling is Tony’s motto as without fail he has the winter flu vaccination every year and had all the COVID-19 vaccinations. Tony, editor of The Domino Effect, Play Domino, Talk Prostate, Save Lives book by Joan Blaney, CBE, Hon.DEd, Pamela Campbell- Morris, project initiator & Leicester University targeting the black community. The podcast has over 3000 You Tube hits since its July 2020 launch. He hosts Birmingham’s Break Tru TV ‘Our Health Is Our Wealth’ show interviewing black healthcare professionals & community activists on health related topics following an initial podcast in June 2020 with over 2400 hits. Editor: Bodiwell a series of children’s booksby Joan Blaney covering a range of childhood illnesses. Swimming Pigs by Susan Haynes-Elcock of the Bahamas. Taking it to the Max, Maxie Hayles’ autobiography, a Birmingham Civil rights activist. From Garrison to Garden, Boots on the Ground – Untold stories from the Inner City, Kingston, Jamaica by Moira Morgan Rejection, Resistance and Resurrection –Speaking out on racism in the church by Dr. Mukti Barton. This included a chapter written by Tony. Winner of the following awards: 2015 Diabetes UKRegional Campaigning & Raising Awareness Award. 2017 Diabetes UKRegional Reaching Out and Connecting Award. 2017 Association of Jamaican Nationals Seven Heroes Award – contribution to the development of the Jamaican community & other nationals in Britain. 2017 BexliveAward Community Champion: Celebrating People of Colour. 2017 Community Foundation: Community Inspiration Award, Health and Well-Being Award. Top 3 finalist. 2019 Award – Nation of Islam’s Sisters of Empowerment, Honouring, Remembering &Valuing Our Brothers with love as a diabetes ambassador. 2019 Vision2Reality Elders AwardHealth & Wellbeing Community Champion. 2020 NHS Parliamentary Award: Chosen as a regional winner in a new category Health Equalities Awardnominated by Steve McCabe MP. 2021 British Citizen Award for health – BCAh 2021 Mico Teachers’ College 185th commemorative medal for services to the Jamaican Diaspora. 2022 Black Honours Award – Lifetime Achievement for raising awareness of diabetes. Contact details for free future engagements: [email protected]
Black Heritage Walks Network
Black Heritage Walks Network Black Heritage Walks Network CIC was established in 2018 to champion the heritage of post war migrants in Birmingham and their vibrant heritage. The project started with the ‘Madiba Walk’, in Handsworth, Birmingham, which was launched as part of the Windrush 70th Anniversary celebrations. The aim of our walks is to present a ‘third place’ experience, so that the participants can explore their existing neighbourhood with evidence based research of black presence in the UK. The project has now expanded to deliver a schedule on nine walks throughout Birmingham. The walks are open to the general public, as well as corporate group tours. In addition, we network with a range of industries, academics and creatives to deliver one off specialist tours, exhibitions and arts activities. Black heritage Walks Network CIC has a heritage education programme, which ranges from KS1 to KS4 and empowers students to research their historical and present day heritage. The heritage education programme is delivered in schools and out of school settings, such as libraries and ‘Saturday schools’ As a registered ‘social prescriber’ in Birmingham, Black Heritage Walks Network CIC has engaged with the NHS to deliver culturally sensitive mental health and wellbeing provision for the over 50’s African Caribbean community. During the pandemic, we were one of the leading champions to help with the recovery of the black community in Birmingham – delivering food bank and welfare support, as well as assistance with digital poverty and online activities. As a result, we know have a prestigious model of mobile health outreach, delivering quality culturally competent services at a hyperlocal level. We presented our model at the UK first Black Health Matters Global Summit in 2021. Black Heritage Walks Network strives to not only revive Black British History but to also keep it alive. This is important so that this and future generations know Black History is British History!
Montana Leahy
Montana Leahy My name is Montana Leahy; I was born and raised in South London. I am 26 years old, a mother to one son, and a proud business owner of a Caribbean Fusion takeaway and restaurant, The Box, located in Wimbledon. I built my business from the ground up, Starting in 2018 catering out of my grandmother’s kitchen and moving on to renting a commercial kitchen space specializing in home delivery, working with online delivery platforms such as Uber eats and Deliveroo. In 2020 I took a massive leap into finally opening my establishment; Unfortunately, a few weeks after renovating, the pandemic hit and put us into a national lockdown. This was extremely disheartening as restaurants were forced to close. But instead of collapsing, the takeaway flourished. Before I knew it, we became a takeaway hot spot in south London, having customers come from as far as Essex to try our diverse and modern menu! My passion has always been to cook and give back to the community; I strive to make The Box a positive force within the community, hiring and training young individuals and working with and supporting local charities as much as possible. My goals are to continue to thrive as a mother and chef, also to grow as an entrepreneur by opening further businesses and open up more employment opportunities for young individuals.
2022 Shortlist
BLACK HONOUR AWARDS 2022 SHORTLIST Exceptional contribution to Caribbean Culture in the UK Tony Fairweather CEO Fairweather Productions The Windrush Collection About Tony Fairweather Vincent M John About Vincent M John Outstanding Personal Achievement Sanchia Alasia BSc, MSc, Assoc CIPD, FCMI, FRSA About Sanchia Alasia Carla Zuill SheHubTV About Carla Zuill Dr Vivienne Lyfar-Cissé Chair NHS BME Network About Dr Vivienne Lyfar-Cissé Innovative New Black Owned Business or Brand Lorlett Hudson One Hand Cant Clap About Lorlett Hudson Cosmo Morgan One Love Lottery About Cosmo Morgan Montana Leahy The Box Caribbean Restaurant About Montana Leahy Community Development Legacy Award Dr Carole Nicholson About Dr Carole Nicholson Royston John About Royston John Black Heritage Walks Network About Black Heritage Walks Network Friend of the Caribbean Dr Ancha Jagne Ceesay Emmanuel Amevor About Emmanuel Amevor Jose Santiago About Jose Santiago Local Legends Dion Walters About Dion Walters Harvel Mattison About Harvel Mattison Claude Fisher Sylvester About Claude Fisher Sylvester
Elizabeth Flanders
Elizabeth Flanders My name is Elizabeth Flanders, Founder at Event Connoisseurs. I started this business because I could not find any Caribbean focused events that remembered our culture and heritage whilst celebrating the positive contribution, we, the Caribbean and those of Caribbean descent, have made to society whilst also honouring our history. Many Caribbean islands celebrate their individual history, yet I see the Caribbean as a community, and therefore all three of our events will focus on the Caribbean as one community with a shared heritage. I also feel that the Caribbean could be better represented as a stand-alone nation and, although there are strong links with Africa, we should not allow this to consume our unique identity born out of our own struggle. Therefore, I am passionate about creating inspired, exceptional, and unforgettable events for you. I want to showcase the best of the Caribbean to a UK audience, to celebrate, preserve and grow our rich culture and heritage. To inspire UK based individuals from a Caribbean background to explore the richness of their culture, take pride in their heritage and discover (or rediscover) their cultural identity. Why this is important to me. To quote Marcus Garvey…. “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”. Cultural events have a huge role to play in sharing knowledge and information and in promoting understanding, tolerance, and acceptance. These events also provide a better understanding of self, of identity and of belonging; cultural events build community. Let’s be proud to be Caribbean and let’s explore what this means together. Let us pass on our folk stories, how to make sorrel, sweet potato pudding (ok now I am just thinking about food), what the celebration of carnival truly represents; our cultural landmarks – Community! My events credential. With over twenty years of event planning and management experience from the corporate world and private clients; I first entered the world of event planning as a Conference Administrator in the 1990s and soon worked my way up to become the Events Team Leader. Over the years I organised hundreds of events ranging in size and complexity and did a lot of travelling. My experience is varied and ranges from Staff Awards and AGMs, large-scale corporate conferences to birthday celebrations and Family Fun Days. It is time for the Caribbean to be seen in a new light – we are so much more than sun, sea, music, food and rum! We have a culture worth preserving and at Event Connoisseurs, we plan to be at the front leading this change.
Dr Diahanne Rhiney
Buy Tickets Now Dr. Diahanne Rhiney BCAe is an award-winning social impact entrepreneur, global empowerment ambassador, and pioneer in Diversity Marketing. With over 30 years of experience, she established a global reputation in public relations as the first to specialise in diversity marketing and race relations. Dr. Rhiney is the co-founder of Black Wall St Media and a respected agent of change, dedicated to promoting equity, equality, anti-racism, and justice. As a qualified psychologist, Dr. Rhiney is passionate about self-esteem-centered healing, focusing on identity, empowerment, inclusion, and the inner self. She has traveled the world on a mission to empower women, particularly black women and women of black heritage, and founded myCaroline.co.uk, a global wellness platform for women over 50. She also established The Baton Awards in honour of her late mother, celebrating women from diverse racial backgrounds. Dr. Rhiney’s accolades include the NatWest Every Woman Award, National Diversity Award for her domestic violence charity Strength With In Me (S.W.I.M.), and the British Citizen Award for her contributions to empowering young people. Additionally, she has been recognized with the Violent Crime Prevention Board’s Championing Social Well-being Award, Pride of Essex’s Highly Commended Award, and the Wise Woman Award for Women in Media. A TEDx speaker, Dr. Rhiney continues to make a profound impact on social justice and empowerment globally.
Amadeus Rennalls
Buy Tickets Now Amadeus Rennalls, Senior Product Designer at Vibrnx Amadeus Rennalls is a dynamic senior product designer with four years of experience in the industry. He holds an IT degree from Loughborough University, where he developed expertise in design thinking, user research, and prototyping. Amadeus excels in creating innovative and user-centered designs that have been recognised for their impact and excellence. His passion for advocating for diversity and inclusion in the design industry is palpable, and he mentors aspiring designers to help them achieve their potential. As a panelist for the Spirit of the Caribbean Annual Ball and Black Honour Awards, Amadeus brings creativity and a commitment to excellence, contributing to recognising outstanding talent within the Caribbean community.”
S.I Martin
Buy Tickets Now S.I. Martin, Historian, Journalist, and Teacher specialising in Black British History and Literature Specialising in the fields of Black British history and literature, S.I. Martin works with museums, archives and the education sector to bring diverse histories to wider audiences. He has published six books of historical fiction and non-fiction for adult and teenage readers. He founded the 500 Years of Black London walks nearly 20 years ago in response to the low profile given to the Black historical presence on the capital’s streets. He has consistently encouraged and championed the provision of plaques, street names and street furniture to this end. S.I. Martin has worked with and for the Black Cultural Archives, National Maritime Museum, the V&A, Tate Britain, London Metropolitan Archives, National Portrait Gallery, Horniman Museum, The National Archives, RAF Museum, Wellcome Trust and many others. He regularly provides workshops and sessions for heritage institutions, schools, borough councils and community groups across the country. He is a firm believer in the power of archives as an agent of positive change for literacy, social cohesion and audience/visitor development.
H.E. Ms Karen-Mae C. Hill
Buy Tickets Now H.E. Ms Karen-Mae C. Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda High Commissioner Karen-Mae Hill is a barrister by profession who has worked for over 15 years years in banking and financial services before her appointment as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. She is also concurrently Antigua and Barbuda’s non-resident ambassador to Ireland, the Federal Republic of Germany, Estonia, and Lithuania. Her areas of professional interest are financial services regulation, the blue economy, trade and advocacy around the recognition of the inherent vulnerabilities of small states. She has adopted the empowerment of youth and persons with disabilities as her areas of social focus. High Commissioner Hill is a Rhodes Scholar and an Honorable Society of Gray’s Inn Prince of Wales Scholar. She is an accomplished pianist and speaks French. She was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s 2023 New Year’s Honours List for service to youth and the arts.
Sanchia Alasia
Buy Tickets Now Sanchia Alasia, Diversity Lead at Transport for London and Managing Director of Sanchia Consulting Ltd. Sanchia is a multi-award-winning and distinguished global Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) practitioner, public speaker, and community change-maker with a reputation for driving systematic and sustainable change towards fostering inclusive environments. She has worked across the public sector over the last 20 years to help move organisations towards being truly being inclusive, valuing their staff and creating a culture where staff feel supported, appreciated, and respected. She currently works as the Diversity Lead at Transport for London and the Managing Director of Sanchia Consulting Ltd, where she is committed to promoting equitable and inclusive practices for Transport for London and her clients. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufacturing and Commerce and fellow of the Institute for Educational and Social Equity. She was elected as a councillor to Barking and Dagenham Council in 2010 a role she held until 2021 and was the first of three Black women to be elected there. She held a number of positions – School Governor, chair of the health and adult services scrutiny committee and chair of the planning committee. She was the first Caribbean female civic mayor there in 2018/19. She stood for the European Parliament elections twice in 2014 and 2019. Sanchia has won numerous awards including, being highly commended as HR champion of the year in the British diversity awards in 2023, winner as outstanding public sector figure at the Precious awards in 2020 and as one of the top 100 most influential, impactful, and successful African Business leaders by the African Chamber of Commerce in 2022. She was also named as one of fifty most inspirational Black women in the UK during Black history month in 2019. Her consultancy has won Best HR & Diversity Consultant 2023 (London) in the SME news, Southern Enterprise Awards, is a Silver Winner of Website of the Year at the London Chamber of Commerce SME London Business Awards 2024, and won HR & Diversity Consultant of the Year at the Corporate LiveWire Gloal Awards 2023/24. This attests to her exemplary leadership and unyielding commitment to EDI.