MBCC Awards celebrates heroes in star-studded event

The Multicultural Business & Community Champion (MBCC) Awards took place last weekend, paying tribute to unsung heroes from the region and beyond in a star-studded ceremony. With a record number of guests, 15 victors, three honouree’s and live performances the MBCC Awards event was a winner for all.

Bringing over 700 guests together – the largest number in the event’s seven-year history – the MBCC Awards honoured figures who have gone over and above for the corporate and community sectors over the past year.

Amongst the winners was the legendary Sir Trevor McDonald, the news presenter and journalist, who was recognised with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Honorary’ award; Baroness Floella Benjamin was also presented with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Honorary’ award for her work in children’s television, breaking down barriers for the next generation of black presenters; and the ‘Inspirational Honorary’ award was posthumously awarded to Jamal Edwards MBE for his work in the music industry through founding SBTV.

This year’s MBCC Awards featured three brand-new categories. Daniel Wilshire was chosen as ‘Health & Wellbeing Champion’ after he founded Damaged Goods Co – a mental health and public speaking organisation – with Shariya Ferdinand being awarded Employee of the Year for her role as the diverse, equity and inclusion consultant at Natwest Bank.

The awards also saw cancer survivor and support group founder, Ameena Mufilhi named as ‘Community Unsung Shero of the Year’ for her dedication to supporting cancer patients with her support group; and award-winning housing activist, Kwajo Tweneboa, take home the accolade of ‘Social Campaigner of the Year’, for his dedication to fighting for suitable social housing for all.

Speaking about the winners, Dr Tru Powell, the organiser of this year’s MBCC Awards, comments: “The stories of our winners and finalists are incredibly humbling and their tireless work to improving the world we all live in is nothing short of awe-inspiring. I am honoured to be able to pay tribute to their commitment and achievements through the MBCC Awards, and give these heroes the recognition they so truly deserve. Every single one is an inspiration to us all and I know I speak on behalf of all of the MBCC Awards team, judging panel, ambassadors, and guests when I say a huge “well done” to them all.”

As well as the award-winners, the event, hosted by famous faces Paul C Brunson and Leah Charles-King, also welcomed guest presenters from singers such as Lemar and Jamelia to TV personalities such as Denise Lewis OBE, Sir Lenny Henry, Angellica Bell, Kelle Bryan and TikTok sensation Luke Vernon. Outstanding performances were delivered by Birmingham’s own Indigo Marshall; to Aston Performing Arts Academy and Josh Barry: guests were treated to jaw-dropping acts throughout the night.

In the spirit of the event, the MBCC Awards also collaborated with Sickle-cell Society UK, this year’s chosen charity. With this year’s event theme of ‘Health & Wellbeing, the MBCC Awards was proud to raise vital funds and awareness for the Sickle Cell Society UK, shining a light on health inequalities and highlighting black and brown communities are disproportionately affected by the disease.

“I am extremely proud to be able to lead on such a fantastic event that means a lot to so many people and I cannot thank everyone who was part of it – from our hosts, judges, and ambassadors; through to our winners, sponsors and guests – enough for making it the success it was. To have over 700 people in one place, celebrating these sensational people together, including my heroes Sir Trevor McDonald, Baroness Floella Benjamin and the late great Jamal Edwards MBE was incredible and I already cannot wait for the next one!” concluded Tru.

The full list of categories and winners is:

• Charity of the Year – Young at Heart
• Unsung Hero of the Year – Alvin Brandy
• Unsung Shero of the Year – Ameena Muflihi
• Entrepreneur of the Year – Derek Rawlins
• Employee of the Year – Sharniya Ferdinand
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr Martin Glynn
• Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion – Birmingham City University
• Mentor of the Year – Herman Stewart
• Influential Business Person Kameese Davis
• Inspirational Person – Sayce Holmes-Lewis
• Networker of the Year – Yiannis Maos
• Oustanding Business of the Year – ISA Support Services Ltd
• Role Model of the Year – Fidel Thompson
• Social Campaigner – Kwajo Tweneboa
• Health & Wellbeing Champion – Daniel Wilsher
• Inspirational Honorary Award – Jamal Edwards MBE
• Lifetime Achievement Honorary Award – Baroness Floella Benjamin
• Lifetime Achievement Honorary Award – Sir Trevor McDonald

To learn more about the MBCC Awards, head to: https://mbccawards.com/.