After 11 months of planning, the inaugural UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside Black History Month Awards event was held in Sheffield on Friday (13 October).
The event was hosted by UNISON Sheffield Teaching Hospitals branch, after branch secretary John Campbell came up with the idea of recognising some of the inspirational, motivational and dedicated people and organisations who promote, encourage and support diversity and inclusion – as well as creating safe spaces for people of all nationalities, cultures, faiths and beliefs.
It was especially poignant as 2023 is UNISON’s Year of Black Workers, and also marks 75 years since the Empire Windrush brought 500 Caribbean nationals to the UK to help rebuilt our war-torn, shattered country.
Local political and civic dignitaries were invited to the event, with several either attending in person or sending a deputy.
The evening included performances by poets, musicians and dancers, as well as a dinner for guests and a gospel choir, before the awards were presented.
Community Work (Group/Organisation/Individual) Award – Presented by Gill Furniss MP.
Eligibility: Any group, organisation or individuals who work or volunteer to make a difference in their community for racial equality and inclusion.
Nominees:
- Trywell Kalyata
- Patrick Meleady
- Kenyans in Sheffield & Surrounding Areas
Winner: Trywell Kalyata. Trywell has been instrumental in leading a project to establish and build a community university college to allow access to further education for the community in Livingstone, Zambia. He’s spent a number of weeks travelling back and forth to manage, supervise and participate in the project. The university complex will have an ITC suite, library, and document storage facility to help promote education in the community, and will take on 200 students in its first year. The work Trywell has promoted will inspire many young people.
Educator – Presented by Master Cutler, Mr Charles Turner, DL.
Eligibility: Any individual who works in the capacity of an educator, irrespective of environment, who has made a positive contribution to the learning outcomes for Black UNISON workers.
Nominees:
- Rene Varghese
- Rose Bent
- Shaghayegh Merati
- Aisha Thabet
Winner: Rose Bent. Rose is employed by UNISON, and over the last three years has used her knowledge and skills to mould together the Regional Black Members group; this has not been an easy undertaking to bring together Black members from different faiths, cultures and organisations. She has encouraged and inspired others to join the group and develop their personal leadership skills, helping them to take on many different roles within UNISON. Thanks to the work she has done, many of these Black members now have the confidence to become more involved in their local branches. These additional skills have also seen many of them promoted in their local workplaces, becoming role models for other Black workers.
Trade Union Award – Presented by Yorkshire & Humberside Regional Convener, Wendy Nichols.
Eligibility: Trade Union branches that have negotiated a policy and/or eradicated a practice within an employer that has resulted in a positive change for Black workers.
Nominees:
- Rose Bent
- Calderdale UNISON Local Government Branch
- Pam Sian
- Trywell Kalyata
Winner: Calderdale UNISON Local Government Branch. The branch has pro-actively negotiated with Calderdale Council, leading the authroity to be the first employer in Yorkshire and Humberside to sign up to UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter. The branch leadership has put equality at the centre of its organising strategy, which has transformed the branch and encouraged new stewards and officers across the board, ensuring no groups felt excluded or oppressed.
Working with Young People Award – Presented by Deputy High Commissioner of Zambia, Her Excellency, Mrs Lubu Nxumalo.
Eligibility: An individual or organisation who works, specifically, with individuals aged under 28 to influence and empower them.
Nominees:
- Patrick Meleady
- Trywell Kalyata
- Kenyans in Sheffield & Surrounding Areas
Winner: Patrick Meleady. A community leader, working on a project in Burngreave, Sheffield, he has developed bringing together young people of all faiths, promoting inclusion and diversity, encouraging inclusion and empowering young people. Patrick is recognised across the Sheffield community as being dedicated in his role, often going above and beyond. During the pandemic, Patrick arranged with local shops for them to donate a variety of foods and essential provisions so that the young people in the community suffered less. He has melded a team of volunteers, who are dedicated to making a difference to those young people who are most in need. He gives his time willingly and unconditionally.
Company or Organisation Award – Presented by the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Colin Ross.
Eligibility: Any company or organisation that is at the forefront of ensuring there is greater racial justice and equality within UK workplaces.
Nominees:
- Balbir Bhogal – Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
- Karen Loughlin – UNISON Yorkshire & Humberside
Winner: Karen Loughlin. Karen is UNISON’s regional secretary for Yorkshire and Humberside; she joined the trade union movement as a regional organiser and in that time has used her skills and leadership to inspire many UNISON members, irrespective of age, religion, gender, colour or sexuality, ensuring they all have a voice. She has already made significant contributions in the last 18 months since becoming regional secretary, and is an advocate for members who have taken the same journey, from member to regional leader. With her team of regional, area and local organisers, members can be assured UNISON will always be a membership-led organisation, and members will always be supported and have a voice.
Inspirational Black Leader Award – Presented by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Peter Bradley.
Eligibility: Any individual who – through their leadership, position and abilities – are helping to create and deliver change.
Nominees:
- Aisha Thabet
- Balbir Bhogal
- Shaghayegh Merati
- Doris Desare
- Veetus Amponsem
Winner: Aisha Thabet. Aisha is a matron on Spinal Injuries Unit. She joined the Trust in 2010 as a Clinical Support Worker, undertook nurse training in 2015, and qualified in 2018. She has worked in orthopaedics, and was appointed to sister on Spinal Injuries. She has demonstrated excellent leadership skills before being promoted to senior sister on Osborn 1 and then to matron, having only been qualified for five years. Aisha goes out of her way to share her experience with schools, using social media to inspire young people. She is an excellent ambassador for nursing, and an advocate for creating an inclusive and diverse workplace – she recognises and celebrates different cultures, arranging events to celebrate religious ceremonies for both staff and patients.
The evening has been described as celebratory, engaging, motivational and inspirational.
Planning is already underway for next year’s event.
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