Community champions from the region’s Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities are set to be celebrated, as entries open for this year’s Tees Valley BME Achievement Awards.
The awards ceremony, now in its twelfth year, will once again recognise the wealth of achievement and talent across the area by honouring inspiring individuals and organisations at the prestigious event on Friday November 25th 2022.
Judges are urging local people to put forward the names of those who have made the biggest contribution over the last year, from organisations working at the grass roots, to well established members of the community, newly emerging stars, and dynamic young community members.
The glittering ceremony will be held at Middlesbrough’s Jurys Inn Hotel, where guests will enjoy delicious International dining, keynote speeches from leading local figures, special guest appearances, and the presentation of the awards in categories ranging from Youth, Community and Business to Public Sector, Apprenticeship and Education.
Other presentations include Community Safety Champion, Woman of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, the latter recognising the sustained commitment to, and support for, BME communities.
Nazir Afzal OBE, Former Chief Crown Prosecutor, and national adviser to the Welsh Government, will be returning to Teesside to host the annual awards.
Speaking on the importance of this year’s ceremony, Nazir Afzal OBE said: “During these challenging, uncertain and turbulent times, with individuals, organisations and businesses having to innovate, show resilience and make sacrifices to continue moving forward. It is important that we take stock to understand, appreciate and celebrate those in our communities who keep driving forward and are making a difference. The BME Achievement awards are one of the most important fixtures of 2022, we must never underestimate the power of diversity in our growth plans, our aspirations and our achievements.
He continued: “In the Tees Valley we see truly magnificent displays of partnership, of innovation and of caring for our most vulnerable. We need to invest in our communities to create a just, fair, and equal society where each and every one of us can prosper.”
Professor Mark Simpson, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Champion for Ethnic and Cultural Diversity, said:
“At Teesside University we believe that everyone should be able to achieve their full potential. We take an active approach to embrace diversity and erase prejudice, including removing barriers to achievement and providing development opportunities to all.
We are delighted to sponsor the BME Achievement Awards, which is such a visible and essential celebration of success, and to have the opportunity to acknowledge the individuals, businesses and communities who continue to advance opportunities and make positive change possible.”
For more information or to make a nomination visit www.bmeawards.co.uk or email info@bmeawards.co.uk.