TOP 10 - OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITIES 2021
DR GEE WALKER
Gee walker is founder and Vice Chair of the Anthony Walker Foundation, which was set up in 2005 after her son’s racially motivated murder. The charity aims to tackle racism, hate crime and discrimination in all its forms.
DAME ELIZABETH ANIONWU
At 74 years old, Anionwu is best known for her work challenging systems and discrimination for black nurses within the NHS. She has also helped people with sickle cell disease and is the Patron of the Sickle Cell Society, dean of the nursing school at the University of West London and an author.
GUS JOHN
After moving to Britain in 1964, the Grenadian-born education campaigner, lecturer and researcher was the first black Director of Education and Leisure Services in Britain and has dedicated his life to human rights campaigning, specialising in children’s education. He is a honary fellow at the University of London (UCL).
HASSAN AKKAD
Akkad is a Syrian refugee, who told the story of fleeing his home country to come to the UK. The film, Exodus: Our Journey To Europe, later went on to win a Bafta and an Emmy.
In 2020, whilst working for the NHS as a cleaner during the pandemic he again rose to fame after his video message to Boris Johnson got over 5 million views. He continues to tell the story from the front line during the pandemic. This year he was granted permanent right to remain.
KATEE HUI
Following her work as a football coach for Arsenal and noticing the lack of opportunities for women to play the sport, Hui founded Hackney Laces in 2011. The football club was set up in East London to help empower teenage girls by giving them the chance to play football.
MARCUS RYDER MBE
A campaigner for better diversity and representation within media and television, Ryder is currently chair of RADA, Head of External Consultancies at the The Lenny Henry Centre in Birmingham City University and has previously held positions at the BBC and been the Chair of the Royal Television Society Diversity Committee.
MARISSA BEGONIA
Begonia is a founding member of The Voice of Domestic Workers, which helps campaign and build awareness of Britain’s 16 thousand overseas domestic workers. After leaving her family in the Philippines to come to London, she experienced abuse from the families she was employed by, which motivated her to help others through the charity.
PETER HERBERT OBE
The barrister, who is the current Chair of the Society for Black Lawyers, which looks to support Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic lawyers working in the judiciary system has championed racial equality. He is currently a member of the Bar Council Race Relations Committee.
STEPHEN BUSH
Bush is Chair of the Commission on Racial Inclusivity in the Jewish Community, which recently did the first report to understand the lives of people of colour within the Jewish Community. The report is run by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, and one of first to look into this area of intersectionality, with key insights and recommendations. The mixed-heritage journalist is also Political Editor for the New Statesman.
DR SUNITA TOOR
Toor’s work has helped build awareness and transform the support needed for women in India through working with the Police and offering training. She is Head of Human Rights at Sheffield Hallam University, and set up Justice for Her in 2016.