Member Article

MBCC Awards doubles up support for community projects

The Multicultural Business & Community Champion (MBCC) Awards has pledged support for two causes this year, doubling up its charitable contribution for 2021. In keeping with its theme of ‘Anti-Racism’, the MBCC Awards is choosing to help Equality Council UK and First Class Foundation, in the hope that they can raise vital funds and awareness for both charities while crowning this year’s winners.

Both Equality Council UK and First Class Foundation were selected for their tireless commitment to the community and their shared mission of helping people to succeed together: an ethos that is reflected in the MBCC Awards’ founding promise of celebrating the nation’s unsung heroes.

While Equality Council UK serves as an anti-hate-crime charity, reducing prejudice and discrimination through education and empowerment, First Class Foundation specialises in tackling youth violence and building mental health resilience. Together, both are passionate about increasing opportunities for marginalised groups, in particular people of colour, and hope that the platform provided by the MBCC Awards will help to shine a light on how much more needs to be done.

Sabrina Dennis, the CEO of First Class Foundation, is thrilled to be backed by this year’s MBCC Awards, and believes that the partnership will be invaluable to the charity. She comments:

“The support from the MBCC Awards means so much to all of us at the Foundation, and I know I speak on behalf of us all when I say that we are honoured to have this spotlight shone upon our work. We are so proud to help connect young people in the Midlands to their purpose by introducing them to new opportunities, and are so passionate about challenging the misrepresentation of Black, young people and their families, in key sectors including, mental health, criminal justice and education.

“Knowing that this year’s MBCC Awards theme is ‘Anti-Racism’ and seeing the commitment of the organisers to ‘doing the work’ every day, makes me feel tremendously confident that this collaboration is a winning combination. Working together will enable us to continue reaching the community right where they are, helping us to effectively engage those traditionally deemed ‘hard to reach’, through detached youth work, outreach and engagement, the provision of safe accessible spaces, and first-hand support for parents and carers.”

As well as its charity partners, the MBCC Awards has also announced this year’s hosts: Alex Beresford and Leah Charles-King. Both known for their winning personalities on the nation’s best-loved TV and radio shows, the pair will swap the silver screen for the stage for one night only to compere the glitzy ceremony and will crown 14 of the country’s business and community champions at the special event.

Tru Powell, the organiser of this year’s MBCC Awards, is looking forward to the evening and raising both awareness and funds for the Anti-Racism movement. He says:

“I am so pleased that we will be joined by Alex and Leah for the MBCC Awards, as their passion for recognising those who go over and above, challenging racial injustices, and advocating for lasting change reflects what the event is about. What’s more, both truly care about our theme of Anti-Racism, which is one that is close to my own heart.

“Following the murder of George Floyd last year, and the acceleration of the BLM movement since, I’ve felt it is highly important that we all work together in the fight for equality. It’s vital that we continue to talk about it so we can kick racism out for good. I personally have suffered from racism – as have my own children – and so I understand first-hand the trauma it comes with; therefore, I’m so proud that the MBCC Awards is playing its part in committing to keeping the discussions alive.”

Thousands across the country picked their shortlist of finalists in the summer, including nominations for three new categories: ‘Frontline Worker of the Year’ and ‘Lockdown Hero’, which are both dedicated to the people who selflessly put their lives on the line during the pandemic to support others; and ‘Social Activist of the Year’, for individuals passionate about social change and using their voice to fight for equality.

“It’s a dream to be bringing back the MBCC Awards for 2021 and between our finalists, hosts, our judges, and our charity partners, the line-up for this year truly has been worth waiting for. The MBCC Awards stands for so much – from hope and aspirations; to success and overcoming adversity – and so there has never been a more fitting year for us to welcome them back. I cannot wait for the event and look forward to welcoming everyone there!” concluded Tru.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Stephen Collins .