Unsung heroes from across the UK were honoured at the renowned MBCC Awards which also saw celebrities’ outstanding achievements recognised.
Inspiring charity founders, care workers and entrepreneurs were at the heart of The Multicultural Business and Community Champion Awards.
The awards also celebrated broadcasting legends, Vanessa Feltz and Eddie Nestor. Hustle and The Hack star Adrian Lester was also a winner, as was EastEnders and Love Thy Neighbour star Rudolph Walker.
An 800-strong crowd cheered on winners at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole Hotel for the 10th year of the MBCC awards.
Recipients shared their inspiring stories as they took to the stage, at the event which was hosted by Loose Women panellist and comedian Judi Love and broadcaster Noreen Khan.
Awards given out included for championing health and wellness, independent businesses, inclusion and diversity and sport.
Jin Atwal, owner of Magical Mind Coaching in Wolverhampton scooped Outstanding Business of the Year.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Jin’s revealed his childhood was shaped by domestic violence, leaving him feeling scared, unheard and unable to express himself.
Jin recalls a deep sense of silence that shaped much of his early life.
To be recognised is unbelievable,” Jin added. “This award belongs to every child who has stepped onto a stage with us, every parent who has trusted us, and every school and funder who believes in our mission.”
Dr Les Johnson, from the National Windrush Museum in Greenwich was also in the spotlight as this year’s featured organisation, bringing more awareness to his pioneering work.
The annual MBCC awards were set up in 2016. Founder Zoe Bennett BEM of Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, said she was driven to start the awards after the brutal murder of her father, Errol, 59, while he was on holiday in Jamaica in 2011.
Zoe said: “I believe good things come to good people.
“Right now I feel like a proud Momma. I founded these awards all those years ago to honour people who lift up communities.
“My dad was my hero and I wanted to recognise other people who do so much for others. “
