A capacity audience assembled on Sunday 9 October at the Stanborough Centre, Watford, to mark the impact of black history, and celebrate achievers from diverse backgrounds. Hosted by One Vision Charity – the event organisers, invitations were extended to key individuals and groups making a significant contribution to their communities.
Black History month provides an opportunity to tune in to the black experience, its history, and legacy, spotlighting significant historical timelines. It provides a platform from which to celebrate progress and current achievements, by honouring individuals who have excelled in helping to augment community advancement and cohesion. We hear highlights of trials and triumphs of the past, and the lessons they taught us. While we acknowledge obstacles yet to be overcome, we also take a moment to cast the vision of hope for a better future.
These key aspects were highlighted throughout the duration of Sunday's programme, as each presenter shared personal life experiences, and demonstrated aspects of their work that had positively impacted the black community.
Individuals receiving awards were celebrated for their contribution under the following categories:
COMMUNITIY SERVICE:
Howa Avan-Nomayo – ADRA-UK (Chief Programmes Officer). Nichola Lauder – IRIE Mind (African and Caribbean Mental Health Wellbeing Service). Fay Christie & Glenys Ruan – One Vision Volunteers. Sharon Bailey – Excellent contribution to Watford Borough Council. Joni Blackwood – Black Health Project Facilitator. Eve Ricketts – CEO & Founder of Meeting Needs Charity. Marcia Silvera – Community Services Project Lead. Daisy Peets – Watford African Caribbean Association / Thrive Youth Project. Angela Wells – Watford African Caribbean Association / Patient Participation Group.
BUSINESS AWARD:
Cynthia Stroud OBE – Pretty Gorgeous Cakes / Jedidiah - National food support charity.
FAITH IN ACTION:
Pastor Mario Phillip – Collaboration with Community Faith Groups / Facilitating disaster relief internationally.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO POLICING:
Detective Inspector Tony Fontanelle – Operational Intelligence Team at Hatfield / Chair of Hertfordshire Black and Asian Police Association.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO FIRE SERVICE:
Anthony Appadoo – Watch Commander – Hertfordshire Fire Service.
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP:
Dr Kirk Thomas – Directorship in Personal Ministries at the British Union Conference.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT:
Errol Johns – Independent Chair for Stevenage Equalities Commission (Stevenage Borough Council) / Trustee of Healthwatch Hertfordshire & Hertfordshire Equality Council.
The awards, certificates and gifts were presented by Dean Russell MP, Councillor Richards Roberts, and Deputy Chief Constable Bill Jephson.
Several inspirational presentations were delivered as follows:
Hertfordshire County Council Health and Wellbeing Project presented by Haran Singh Gill – Project Manager for One Vision working with African and Caribbean communities. Haran shared encouraging data from the pilot project detailing significant health change and positive wellbeing outcomes in attendees of the project. CARE (Communities Against Racism Enterprise). Ruth South, Founder of CARE addressed the insidious nature of racism and strategies to mitigate them. She also presented the SUCOTETO wreath, poppy and pin of remembrance, hope and healing. CARE Co-founder Esther Douglas presented an alternative ethnic classification to BAME, captioned BEAM which was more inclusive of diverse races. Watford policing improvements and performance. Chief Inspector Di Whiteside presently oversees police response in Watford. She is the first female to command the post. Police Race Action Plan. Chief Inspector Kash Hussain delivered the aims of goals for community policing in the black community, and the vision they wish to achieve in Hertfordshire.
Under the caption – 'Time for Change: Action Not Words' – Black History Month 2022 is raising the bar, moving from reflection to action, from rhetoric to results, from the incidental to the intentional, seeking purposefully, for visible and lasting change.
Keynote speaker, Sharon Platt-McDonald, Chair of One Voice, addressed the varying aspects of change she envisioned for the present and future. Her presentation highlighted aspects such as change of attitudes, vision,acknowledging we are all created equal, irrespective of race, creed or colour. She continued by reflecting on change that values each individual, celebrating the rich diversity present in every nation. She concluded by speaking about change that seeks to make our tomorrows better than our yesterdays as we express God's love to all.
Speaking of the event outcome, One Vision's CEO – Enoch Kanagaraj stated, "It was a wonderful time of connection and networking, celebrating the work of outstanding individuals and their community impact."