Finalists unveiled for first Black Scottish Awards in Edinburgh

The finalists for the newly launched Black Scottish Awards have been unveiled.

The awards, founded by Enoch Adeyemi, celebrate the contributions of individuals and organisations to the Black Scottish community across business, the arts, education, sports and community service.

Judges include Dr Debora Kayembe, rector of the University of Edinburgh, and Kieron Achara, executive director of the British Basketball Federation.

The ceremony will take place at the Edinburgh’s Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel on Saturday October 28.

The Black Scottish Awards. via Supplied

Award categories include outstanding contribution to the black community, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer outstanding student of the year, sportsperson of the year, business of excellence, and professional rising star.

The evening will feature entertainment amid a celebration of African culture, and will include performances by local artists from all over Scotland.

A statement read: “Beyond accolades, the ceremony serves as a platform to amplify voices, spotlight achievements and inspire the next generation of leaders and change-makers. It’s a testament to the richness and diversity that defines the Black Scottish experience.

“It goes beyond recognizing excellence; it reaffirms the importance of representation and celebrates the stories that often go unheard.

“The finalists, through their remarkable accomplishments, embody resilience and inspire pride, fostering a sense of unity and belonging within the community.”

Ally of the Year ( Sponsored by Black Professionals Scotland)

1. Alvise Verri
2. Carol Anderson
3. Clive Moorhead
4. Laura Vaughan
5. Musab Hemsi

Business of Excellence of the Year (Sponsored by Barclays)

1. Bantaba Afro Caribbean Restaurant
2. Doqaru Limited
3. HR Hub Plus Limited
4. Nephtali Couture

Community Organisation of the Year (Sponsored by TSB)

1. BE United
2. Igbo Community Aberdeen
3. Jambo! Radio Scotland
4. African Students Association-Scotland
5. Passion4Fusion

Creative of the Year (Sponsored by Black Professionals Scotland)

1. Chinyanta Kabaso
2. Fifidiny
3. Pastor(Mrs) Ruth Adegunloye
4. Sean Focus

Diversity Champion of the Year (Sponsored by CIPD)

1. Dami Onalaja-Aliu
2. Edward Obi
3. Janet Londele
4. Samuel Agbede
5. Severiano Gomes

Outstanding Contribution to the Black Community (Sponsored by Black Professionals Scotland)

1. Dr Adaeze Ifezulike MBE
2. Elizabeth Ndungu
3. Fash Fasoro
4. Olusegun Akinkugbe
5. Uchenna Okechukwu Njoku

Professional Rising Star of the Year (Sponsored by Black Professionals Scotland)

1. Blessing Adesewa Funsho
2. Jemila Idris
3. Olufunmilade Adetogun
4. Olujimmy Elijah Ogunbajo
5. Oluwafunbi Sophia Karunwi

Professional Senior Leader of the Year (Sponsored by STV)

1. Frama Aboh
2. Gerald Richards
3. Lydia Balogun-Wilson
4. Olaoluwa R. Popoola
5. Phillip Chatikobo

Sir Geoff Palmer Outstanding Student of the Year (Sponsored by Morgan Stanley)

1. Chizulum Ifezulike
2. David Oluwatofunmi Akinwamide
3. Elizabeth A. Orimogunje
4. Gino Obaseki
5. Henry Anumudu

Sportsperson of the Year (Sponsored by sportscotland)

1. Panashe Muzambe
2. Berachiah Ajala

To stay up to date with The Black Scottish Awards, visit www.theblackscottishawards.com or follow @blackscotawards on Twitter.

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