Celebrates young leaders transforming classrooms, creative spaces, sport, and civic life through their brilliance.
The Advancing Race Equality Awards
This award aims to improve race equality within education settings. It is open to schools, further education colleges and universities that have demonstrated a zero-tolerance approach to prejudice, racial bullying and racism by improving racial literacy/anti-racism education and by promoting safety and wellbeing for black and minority ethnic pupils, students, staff, parents, carers and those in the community.
Do you know a teacher who is a role model when it comes to championing respect for difference and the advancement of racial equality? Then we need to hear from you! Our Anti-Racism Teacher Award recognises educators who go above and beyond when engaging young people, parents and colleagues to change attitudes, behaviour and overall culture in education.
Our Primary School Ambassador Award targets pupils who have used the medium of art to demonstrate a significant commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within their educational community. This award celebrates individuals who have actively used their artistic talents to send a strong anti-racism message
This category is for secondary school students who have highlighted an anti-racism message through the prism of artistic creativity – be it drawing, poetry, song, music or another medium. It celebrates those who have shown and continue to show a commitment to tackling racism and to teaching their peers why inclusivity matters and what it looks like.
This category recognises young people aged 18-30 who work within their communities, further education colleges or universities to challenge discrimination and to achieve a more inclusive future. Maybe they work building intercultural trust, peace work at grassroots level or supporting the rights of marginalised people. If you know a Young Leader, tell us about them.
This category pays tribute to the impact created by the selfless efforts of individuals who devote countless hours to causes close to their hearts. It recognises those who go above and beyond in the course of their work and duties to challenge racial discrimination in the workplace and in society as a whole. Let’s hear it for all our community champions.
This award honours those committed to advancing racial justice through diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism or racial justice work. It recognises an individual, organisation, project, business or public sector establishment for their work in tackling racism, reducing barriers and promoting peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
In the face of war, geopolitical tensions and global upheaval, journalists continue to offer insight, inspiration and analysis to the public. This category recognises the work of those individual communicators or media outlets who use their talents and their platforms to challenge racism and provide a space where racialised people can drive change.
This category honours exceptional individuals who go above and beyond in the course of their work to challenge systemic racism and actively take steps to address racial inequalities in Northern Ireland. We need to hear about those who demonstrate courage and leadership in advancing racial justice, human rights and equality in Northern Ireland.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises the outstanding leadership of an individual throughout their career and is only awarded when a truly worthy candidate has been identified. Nominees must have dedicated a minimum of two decades to the field of racial justice and human rights. They will have a recognised level of significant engagement in racial justice work and have demonstrated exemplary leadership in advocating for human rights and equality in Northern Ireland.
A huge thank you to every nominee, and congratulations once again to our winners! The awards were announced at a glittering ceremony in The Ebrington Hotel on March 6, 2025.
For The Advancing Race Equality Awards 2024
Now in its fifth year, the Advancing Race Equality Awards amplifies the leaders, volunteers, and organisations dismantling racism across Derry-Londonderry and beyond. The night blends live music, storytelling, keynote reflections, and the presentation of each award category.
22 November 2024
Great Hall, Ulster University Magee Campus
6:30pm (programme begins 7pm)
Expect live performances, film moments, and testimonies from families who are ending racist systems together.
Each nomination is reviewed by an independent panel rooted in migrant, Black, and Traveller leadership.
Ticket sales have now closed and the room is full—follow our channels for live updates and 2025 announcements.
Honours individuals centring anti-racist leadership, crisis support, and grassroots mobilisation across the North West.
Celebrates young leaders transforming classrooms, creative spaces, sport, and civic life through their brilliance.
Recognises organisations building shared futures through dialogue, policy change, and co-designed services.
Spotlights projects preserving and sharing Black and minority ethnic art, foodways, language, and storytelling.
How nominees are selected
The public is invited to tell us about an individual, organisation, school or other body they feel merits an award.
We gather in all entries before turning them over to our independent panel of judges
The judges make sure they have everything they need before starting the arduous task of whittling down the entries.
The judges have two weeks to examine all the information, evidence and opinion presented to them.
We announce to the waiting world who has made the final cut. Shortlists consist of three names each.
Awards night. Time to get glammed up and hit the red carpet at the fabulous Ebrington Hotel!
