HARDLY has the dust settled on March’s glittering ceremony but the North West Migrants Forum is building up to its next Advancing Race Equality Awards.
The efforts and good work of a dozen individuals and groups were celebrated in the Everglades Hotel earlier this year.
On June 22 it will be all systems go again when nominations open for the Advancing Race Equality Awards 2024.
The categories will be as before bar one notable exception – the return this year of the Schools Anti-Racism Art Competition.
In years gone by the art contest proved to be hugely popular with hundreds of entries sent in from all over Northern Ireland. This year is shaping up to be similarly successful with submissions already dropping through the letterbox of the North West Migrants Forum.
Other categories include:
Advancing Racial Justice and Fairness Award
Anti-Racism Leader of the Year
Anti-Racism Media Award
Anti-Racism School of the Year
Anti-Racism Teacher of the Year
Community Champion
Young Leader
Lifetime Achievement
North West Migrants Forum Special Award
This year’s awards will be launched on June 22 with nominations opening immediately after.
Migrants Forum Media and Communications Officer Conor Sharkey said that it was never too early to start thinking about nominating.
“We had such a response to our call for nominations last year that it took the judges days to sift through them all.
“We are expecting as many if not more this year as the Advancing Race Equality Awards grow in popularity.
“Our awards are about celebrating the efforts of those in our communities who are doing amazing work in terms of tackling racism and promoting justice, inclusion, diversity and social harmony.
“All too often that work goes unheralded and we are very proud to be in a position to highlight it and say ‘well done’.
“If you know anyone who is going that extra mile to improve their community, enhance the lives of those around them and build a better world, then let us know please.
“It might be something huge like organising your city’s Diwali celebrations, it might be something equally as important but on a smaller scale, for example a weekly or monthly coffee morning for those seeking asylum or voluntary classes to assist those granted international protection.
“Every little bit helps and we are always thrilled to hear of the incredible work going out there, work usually carried out without fanfare or financial reward.
“The Advancing Race Equality Awards are about people. Tell us about the special people you know.”
The Advancing Race Equality Awards will take place on March 6 2025. Keep an eye on our website www.nwmf.org.uk for all the information and updates you will need.