Last Updated on: 7th October 2024, 05:10 pm
Ex-offender turned social entrepreneur Zak Addae-Kodua, alongside sports media executive Charlene Gravesande, were among the winners at the Black Talent Awards 2024, held at Birmingham’s ICC on 4th October. The event celebrates individuals who are breaking barriers and promoting diversity in their respective fields.
Zak Addae-Kodua, who previously served three prison sentences for drug and robbery offences, was honoured with the Charitable, Voluntary and Social Change award. Now an award-winning broadcaster, Addae-Kodua is the host of XConversation, a podcast aimed at promoting the rehabilitation of ex-offenders and supporting professionals within the criminal justice system to diversify the prison workforce. He also co-presents The Sit Down, a podcast that features candid conversations with ex-convicts and their families about their experiences both inside and outside prison.
Charlene Gravesande, a former Sky Sports producer and now the head of her own sports media company, was awarded the Media, Marketing and Creative prize. She was recognised for her tireless advocacy for Black talent within the sports broadcasting industry. As part of the BAFTA-winning production team for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Gravesande previously won the Game Changer in Sport Businesswoman of the Year title at the Great British Businesswoman Awards. Her most notable achievement was producing a 9-minute and 29-second film in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, reflecting the sporting world’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Now in its third year, the Black Talent Awards celebrates inspirational role models who are challenging norms and championing equitable workplaces. Supported by sponsors such as Merlin Entertainments, Serco, Haleon, Lloyds Banking Group, Coca-Cola, and EDF Renewables UK & Ireland, the awards were established in 2022.
Denise Myers, founder of the Black Talent Awards and a recruitment entrepreneur, shared her thoughts: “Storytelling is a potent force for change. The Black Talent Awards is less about the award and event itself and more about providing a platform upon which remarkable people can tell their stories. Since establishing the Awards, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet with so many inspiring people who succeeded despite the setbacks. Theirs is a story of grit, determination and successes that follow second chances. Storytelling is not a panacea for the racial equality problem but it can move mountains in terms of the wider perceptions of Black achievement, and that is what we hope to do.”
Tim Campbell MBE, the first winner of The Apprentice and aide to Lord Alan Sugar, served as a brand ambassador this year. He supported a judging panel made up of corporate leaders from organisations such as NatWest, the Institute of Directors, and the BBC. The event was also attended by Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands.
Other notable winners at the Black Talent Awards included:
- Bamidele Farinre, a biomedical scientist, who was awarded the Science, Technology, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Construction award. Farinre, now a multi-award-winning STEM ambassador, overcame early setbacks, having been told she would not succeed in science. She is now a leader in her field and mentors the next generation of scientists.
- Trevor Gordon received the Trailblazer award for his work in education. The son of Windrush-generation parents, Gordon has spent his career advancing equality in education, including initiatives to improve ethnic minority representation at Ravensbourne University and a college in Saudi Arabia.
Dominique Sidley, Global Trade Strategy Director at Merlin Entertainments, commented on Merlin’s long-standing support of the awards:
“At Merlin, people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered, with equal opportunities to succeed. We’re proud to sponsor the Evenfields Black Talent Awards for the third year running. This partnership offers us invaluable insights into the future of our workforce, helping us build pathways for aspiring talent, particularly from Black communities, to thrive in the branded entertainment industry. We’re excited to celebrate these outstanding individuals on a night of well-deserved recognition.”
Tim Campbell MBE added:
“The pioneering work of Denise and her amazing team at the Black Talent Awards continues to unveil inspirational stories of talent positively impacting communities, debunking myths and redefining what success can look like. As a proud ambassador for this year’s awards, it is truly heart-warming to know the next generation won’t have to look far to find even more African Caribbean diasporic stories of success as a result of the awards.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, added his congratulations:
“Congratulations to all the winners – their inspiring stories highlight the incredible talent and energy in our community. They stand as role models, showing how challenges can be overcome with determination and self-belief. It’s essential that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. As Mayor, I am deeply committed to investing in our communities to ensure everyone can thrive and succeed in the future.”
For more information and to view the full list of winners, visit www.blacktalentawards.co.uk.
