2024 Winners
UK Caribbean Community Honours Its Own
at the 2nd Black Honour Awards (2024)
The 2nd Black Honour Awards, a key highlight of the Spirit of the Caribbean Annual Ball, lit up the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The night was filled with celebration, as finalists, their families, and friends came together to honour outstanding contributions within the UK Caribbean community.
With a remarkable lineup of winners and highly commended nominees, the event showcased exceptional talent and achievements. We extend our deepest thanks to our esteemed judges and Mr. Paul Chambers from the British West India Regiments Trust, whose heartfelt awards presentation left a lasting impression. A special appreciation also goes to the charismatic Mr. Cee, whose elegance and charm as host made the evening even more memorable.
Above all, our gratitude goes to the finalists and their supporters—the true stars of the night—who made this celebration of excellence an unforgettable success!
Meet the stars of the night…
The 2024 Black Honour Award WINNERS
EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO CARIBBEAN CULTURE IN THE UK
Balham and Tooting
Sports and Social Club
Balham and Tooting Sports and Social Club won for its exceptional contribution to Caribbean culture in the UK.
Founded over 54 years ago by 13 pioneering Windrush men and women, BTSSC remains the longest-established Caribbean social club in the UK, owned by its members. More than just a venue, it is a vibrant hub for community, sport, music, education, and well-being. The club provides a safe space for all, offering affordable meals, senior citizen support, youth events, and legendary domino championships. Over the years, it has welcomed Caribbean dignitaries, artists, and politicians, including Bob Marley and Dennis Brown. Today, descendants of the original founders continue its proud legacy.
Paulette Randall MBE won for her groundbreaking contributions to British theatre and television.
The first Black female West End director honoured by the Queen, she co-founded the Theatre of Black Women, directed all of August Wilson’s West End plays, and led Talawa Theatre Company. Her TV credits include The Wives, EastEnders, Hollyoaks, Waterloo Road, Tin Star and Death in Paradise, while her theatre work spans The Fellowship (Hampstead Theatre), Doctor Faustus (The Globe), Fences (West End) and Rudy’s Rare Records starring Lenny Henry. She also served as Associate Director for the 2012 London Olympic Opening Ceremony. A tireless advocate for young Black creatives, Paulette has championed Caribbean arts and culture for decades.
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
Dr Paulette Randall, MBE Theatre, TV & FLIM Director
INNOVATIVE BLACK OWNED BUSINESS OR BRAND
UK Caribbean Food Awards
UK Caribbean Food Awards won for their dedication to celebrating excellence in Caribbean food and drink.
As the only organisation showcasing professionals, businesses, and entrepreneurs in this sector, they are making a significant impact. Founded by two Black female entrepreneurs of Jamaican heritage, the awards highlight the industry’s £100 million contribution to the UK economy while increasing visibility and support for Caribbean businesses.
Sharon Scott proudly accepted the award on behalf of AIM 121.
AIM 121 won for their unwavering dedication to the Merton community.
Despite balancing full-time jobs and young families, Sharon Scott, Chevonie Bonner Phillips, and Adlyn Barrett selflessly volunteer their time to uplift the Caribbean community. Through community fairs, music schools, holiday programmes, media workshops, and youth initiatives, AIM 121 creates invaluable opportunities, particularly for young people. Their tireless efforts continue to make a profound impact on the BAME community, fostering growth, inclusion, and empowerment.
LOCAL LEGEND
AIM121 Youth Projects
NHS HERO (S) AWARD
Alison Hewitt, Senior Radiographer
Alison won for her outstanding dedication to healthcare and advocacy.
A highly skilled radiographer since 1990, Alison has not only excelled in patient care but has also been a pillar of support for colleagues. She bravely fought against discrimination, founding MENSOR to give Black radiographers a voice within the profession. An outspoken advocate for diversity and inclusion, she continues to inspire, mentor, and champion the contributions of Caribbean professionals in the NHS.
OUTSTANDING PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Rianna Patterson, Dominica Dementia Foundation
Rianna Patterson won for her dedication to dementia advocacy and community support.
At 18, she founded the Dominica Dementia Foundation in memory of her grandfather, funding much of its work herself. Despite hardships, she earned a Queen’s Young Leader Award in 2017 and raised £20,000 to pursue a master’s in dementia at UCL. Her resilience and commitment to making a difference make her a truly deserving honouree.
Manhood Academy Global won for its transformative work in youth mentorship.
A BAFTA-nominated grassroots organisation, it guides boys aged 8-19 through the transition to manhood using a unique, element-based personal development model. Their impact extends to families through a dedicated parenting program, fostering a stronger, more connected community
LEGACY AWARD
Manhood Academy Global (MAG)
The 2024 Black Honour Award Highly Commended
Further recognition was given to our Highly Commended nominees, whose outstanding contributions have made a lasting impact on their communities and beyond. Their dedication, hard work, and passion continue to inspire and uplift those around them.
Subari Fostering Agency
Subari is an independent fostering agency based in Croydon, South London. It was established by three directors, who between them have over 60 years experience in Social work and Fostering combined. Subari believes that all children and young people needing substitute care, whatever their physical or mental abilities, should have the opportunity to live in a family. At Subari we ensure that there is a clear statement of our aims and objectives and of the resources and services we aim to provide
Colin Simms, Complementary Therapies Practitioner
Colin Simms was Highly Commended for his remarkable journey of resilience, healing, and service to the community.
Born and raised in Dudley, Colin’s career spans over 40 years, beginning as a sound system operator and reggae band manager before a life-altering car accident left him with severe memory loss and speech difficulties. His determination to regain his health led him to a lifelong commitment to community healthcare.
Colin has played a pivotal role in addressing Black health and social needs, working with Servol Community Services, co-founding the African Caribbean Health Initiative Service (ACHIS), and providing complementary therapy for the Sickle Cell Support Group. As the
founder of Footprints Therapy in Wolverhampton, he pioneered pain relief treatments, taught the Rossiter System, and ran a successful clinic at The Bridge Centre. His passion for wellness extends to hosting health talks, organising group walks, and even leading an international ‘Health Is Your Wealth’ event in Cyprus.
A true ‘Community Man,’ Colin serves as a trustee for multiple organisations, including the Wolverhampton Caribbean Community Memorial Trust. His dedication to health, education, and cultural heritage makes him a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Daddy Ernie, Multi-award-winning broadcaster
Daddy Ernie was Highly Commended for his outstanding contributions to reggae music and broadcasting.
A multi-award-winning broadcaster, Daddy Ernie has been a driving force in the UK reggae scene for decades. Born to Jamaican parents, he inherited a love for music from his father, a renowned sound system operator. As a teenager, he launched his own sound system, President Downbeat, before becoming a key figure in the reggae world with Hawkeye International Sound System.
His career soared with the launch of the Super Jam show on Choice FM in 1990, the first five-day-a-week reggae programme outside Jamaica. Known for his legendary interviews with icons like Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott, and Sean Paul, Ernie’s influence spans radio,
club events, and international hosting. He made history as the first British male personality to host International Night at Sumfest in Jamaica and was the main host for Jamaica’s 50th independence celebrations in London.
Today, he continues to champion reggae through Superjam on Vibes FM, playing at top venues worldwide, and even bringing reggae to the skies via British Airways and Aer Lingus inflight entertainment.
Tiny Hands Locs
Jeana Dorival was Highly Commended for her outstanding contributions to holistic haircare and community empowerment.
Founder of Tiny Hands Locs, Jeana—affectionately known as Tiny—has transformed the haircare industry with her eco-conscious and holistic approach. More than just a salon, Tiny Hands Locs is a sanctuary for natural haircare, sustainability, and community connection.
With a passion for promoting healthier hair and fostering inclusivity, Jeana integrates natural healing remedies and personalised treatments, creating a space where clients feel valued and supported. Her commitment to sustainability is reflected in the use of environmentally friendly packaging, glass bottles, and recycling initiatives, reducing waste and protecting the planet for future generations.
Beyond haircare, she brings the community together through events like the Tiny Hands Customer Appreciation Party – "Ras-n-Link", reinforcing a strong sense of belonging. Jeana’s dedication to excellence, sustainability, and cultural celebration makes her a true pioneer in the industry.
African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT)
ACLT were Highly Commended for its life-saving work in raising awareness and increasing donor registrations for stem cell, blood, and organ donations within the African and Caribbean communities.
For 28 years, ACLT has built a lasting legacy, saving over 200 lives by educating and empowering individuals to become potential donors. Founded in 1996 by Beverley De Gale OBE and Orin Lewis OBE after their son Daniel was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, ACLT has since worked tirelessly to improve the odds of finding matches, addressing the extreme shortage of Black donors. Their outreach spans educational, community, social, and religious establishments, ensuring people can make informed choices about giving the gift of life.
Beyond donor registration, ACLT provides critical patient and family support throughout diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and even end-of-life care. The charity recently launched a Black Blood Patient Support Group to help individuals navigate illness together, offering encouragement and solidarity. With over 40 awards, ACLT continues to transform lives, proving that no one should die waiting for a donor.
Adanna Williams, Deputy Director of Nursing
Adanna Williams, South East Regional Deputy Director of Nursing at NHS England, was highly commended for her exceptional leadership in Learning Disabilities, Autism, SEND, and Mental Health. With over 20 years of NHS experience, she was a National Programme Lead for the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and has developed clinical pathways, training programs, and workforce strategies to improve patient care.
A mental health nurse practitioner and independent prescriber, Adanna champions equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) as South East Region BAME Network Chair, supporting BAME talent and shaping policy. Internationally, she advocates for health equity and has been recognized by the Ghana Ministry of Health & Education. In March 2024, she was appointed a UN Women UK delegate, reinforcing her commitment to empowering women in leadership.
Adanna’s contributions to nursing, health education, and equity continue to inspire and drive meaningful change in both the UK and globally.
EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO CARIBBEAN CULTURE IN THE UK Dr Les Johnson, National Windrush Museum
The 2024 Black Honour Award Standout Contenders
Because the field was exceptionally strong, we also proudly acknowledge our Standout Contenders. Their unwavering commitment to creating positive change and enriching the lives of others deserves special recognition. Though they may not have taken home the top prize, their efforts are truly commendable as they continue to make a meaningful difference.
OUTSTANDING PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Philip L Als, The North-West Passage Ocean Row 2023 Philip won for his groundbreaking achievement in rowing. At 68 years old, Philip represented Barbados and the Caribbean in the 2023 North West Passage expedition, becoming the first Black man to row across the Arctic Circle. As part of an eight-person UK-led team, he braved uncharted waters from Pond Inlet to Cambridge Bay in the Arctic. His remarkable feat is recognised by the Ocean Rowing Society and stands as a Guinness World Record. Philip’s resilience and courage have cemented his place in history, inspiring generations to push beyond their limits.
EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO CARIBBEAN CULTURE IN THE UK
Yvonne Wilks O’Grady,
OBE, JP
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
AWARD
Black Men’s Consortium
INNOVATIVE BLACK OWNED BUSINESS OR BRAND
Hope Road Publishing
LOCAL LEGEND
Black Heritage Walks Network
NHS HERO(S) AWARD
Terri Anne Watts, Senior Administrator
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LEGACY AWARD
Dawn Hill, OBE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LEGACY AWARD
Steve Stephenson, MBE
