On March 7 2024 over 300 people gathered in the Everglades Hotel for the 2024 Advancing Race Equality Awards.

It was a memorable night for many – those who collected winner and runners-up trophies and those there representing sponsors, organisations or in support of a colleague.

The host, comedian and TikTok star Black Paddy, put on quite a show, keeping the audience entertained throughout.

The winners were:

Schools Anti-Racism Ambassadors: Strabane Academy

Anti-Racism School of the Year: North West Regional College

Anti-Racism Teacher of the Year: Edel Sweeney, Oakgrove PS

Community Champion: Hilda Orr

Advancing Racial Justice and Fairness: MSCNI

Anti-Racism Leader of the Year: Mukesh Chugh

Anti-Racism Media of the Year: BBC Spotlight NI

Young Leader Chaudhary Hamza Riaz (Ulster University

Our Mother and Baby Group began in January 2024 and quickly became part of the fabric of our week. Western Trust Health Visitors Donna McNally and Cheryl McElhinney have brought our Fridays to life like never before, advising and guiding parents on the various issues they encounter with their newborns and not so newborns. The North West Migrants Forum rings with goo goos and giggles and it is a sound we all look forward to!

We held our Christmas party in our new home in The Embassy Building on December 14 2023. It was a lovely night with Santa handing out gifts to all the wide-eyed young people and not so young people!

Our annual Black History Summit for 2023 took place in Ulster University’s Magee campus, Derry, on October 21 2023.

Around 100 people gathered in the Great Hall to hear why the diverse experiences of black and minority ethnic communities and individuals should be taught as part of the school curriculum.

Among the speakers was Dr Ebun Joseph along with Dr Hyab Yohannes and Professor Charlotte Williams who travelled from Wales for the Summit.

Those in attendance were told that it was really important the lessons from the event did not stay in the room.

“Share them with your families, friends, share them on your social media,” said our Chief Executive Lilian Seenoi Barr.

“The more we share, the greater the chance we have of building a more inclusive society.”

The Common Travel Area was the focus of a day of discussion hosted by ourselves in the Communications Workers’ Union, William Norton House, Dublin on September 21 2023.

In conjunction with the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) and the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR), the townhall meeting examined the challenges the Common Travel Area (CTA) creates for some people living on the island of Ireland.

As well as a lived experience panel of individuals – some of whom had to apply for a visa just to travel to Dublin – speakers included Chief Commissioner of Northern Ireland’s Human Rights Commission Alyson Kilpatrick, Senator Emer Currie, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, Daniel Holder of CAJ, Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny and Shane O’Curry of INAR.

Summer Club 2023 brought a smile to so many faces, thanks largely to the tireless efforts of our leaders Dearbhla, Adrián, Aoife, Idris and Ahmed.

Days out at Creggan Country Park, trips to the cinema and the bowling alley followed by an overnight stay at Todd’s Leap Activity Centre made it a summer that no one will forget in a hurry.

Host for the day was our former Programmes Manager Naomi Green while guest speakers included Úna Boyd of the Committee on the Administration of Justice and solicitor Suzanne Moran of SRM Legal. Their contributions were followed by a question and answer session for members of the public.

Councillor Sandra Duffy was Mayor when we celebrated Volunteers Week on June 2 2023 and we remain very grateful to her for coming along to what was our home at the time, Fountain Street.

Looking at the photos now, we are proud that so many wonderful people decided to give us their time and talent. But there is also a tinge of sadness as we see old friends who have moved to pastures new.

Good luck to you all, wherever you are out there in the crazy world.

Our Coshquin Family Fun Day took place on May 14 2023 and was a fantastic gathering that brought the community together for a day of enjoyment and connection. With activities for everyone, including games, crafts and a variety of food options, there was something for all ages to enjoy.

The lively atmosphere was filled with laughter and shared moments as families explored the attractions and children played freely. This gallery captures the heart of the day, highlighting the smiles, energy and sense of community that made the Coshquin Family Fun Day a memorable experience for all who attended.

Our 2022 Advancing Race Equality Awards took place in the Waterfoot Hotel, Derry, on September 22 2022 with well known activists and authors Tim Brannigan and Chantelle Lunt as hosts.

The evening was an opportunity to recognise individuals, teams, groups and networks leading action, removing barriers and enhancing the inclusion of, and engagement with, ethnic minority people across Northern Ireland – from the workplace to the delivery of services.

It was also a chance for us to say a posthumous thank you to the late Ronnie Vellem who sadly passed away on February 12 2022. Having fled persecution in Zimbabwe, Ronnie became a tireless advocate for refugees and asylum seekers in Northern Ireland, with an unwavering commitment to advancing a shared society.

Eighteen awards in all were given out on a night of warmth, celebration and laughter.