02 November 2023 , 20:30
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It was an emotional night in London as the 2023 Ethnicity Awards celebrated a whole host of inspirational stars, including some who are sadly no longer with us.
Hosted by Loose Women panellist Judi Love, the prestigious event saw the likes of Big Brother host AJ Odudu, Ozwald Boateng, Rita Ora, Steven Bartlett and Eni Aluko all win big, with fashion guru Gok Wan recognised for using his "experiences and platform" to champion good causes.
There were emotional scenes as Frances Alagiah, wife of late BBC News presenter George Alagiah, collected a posthumous Services To Journalism award on behalf of her late husband, who passed away from bowel cancer in July. BBC newsreader Reeta Chakrabarti had earlier penned a touching tribute to her colleague George, which was included in the event programme for the celebrity attendees to read.
Judi Love presented the star-studded event (Getty Images)
Gok Wan was presented with the Role Model award (Getty Images)The star-studded bash in Mayfair, London, was attended by stars including Eastenders actor Brian Conley, Love Island couple Tasha Ghouri and Andrew Le Page, Dawn Butler MP and Dr. Ranj. This Morning star Gok Wan was presented with the Role Model Award in touching scenes at the Investing in Ethnicity Awards in London.
TV personality, author and DJ, Gok, 49, lifted the prestigious award to a standing ovation as his best friend, Brian Conley, who plays Tom 'Rocky' Cotton in EastEnders, surprised the star by attending the glitzy gala in Mayfair to present the gong.
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Fashion legend Ozwald Boateng won the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, while Rita Ora was awarded Music Artist of the Year following a fan vote. Diary of a CEO’s Steven Bartlett was named Inspirational Role Model, while Big Brother host AJ Odudu lifted Presenter of the Year, and former football star and TV pundit Eni Aluko was recognised as Sports Personality of the Year.
The Investing in Ethnicity Awards was hosted for a second consecutive year by Loose Women star, Judi Love. The event, held in partnership with HSBC UK, celebrates the most influential Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in the UK for their achievements and work to promote diversity and inclusion.
George Alagiah was honoured at the star-studded event (BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images)The major celebration welcomed more than 500 celebrities, influential business leaders and politicians to London to honour those driving change and inspiring others. This year's ceremony was attended by the likes of Loose Women favourite Linda Robson, Love Island pair Tasha Ghouri and Andrew Le Page, Dawn Butler MP, Dr. Ranj and TikTok sensation Sabrina Bahsoon, better known as London Tube Girl.
Swimmer Michael Gunning gave out the Social Impact prize to the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers, while Judi Love gave her Loose Women colleague Linda Robson a rousing reception as she presented the BT Ethnic Diversity Network with the Network Group or ERG gong.
The Investing in Ethnicity Awards celebrates the individuals and organisations working to promote equality, diversity and inclusion, acknowledging milestones in business, media, politics and grassroots activism. In recent years, Sir Lenny Henry, Alison Hammond, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Alex Scott and Marcus Rashford have lifted prizes at the awards, with Gok Wan and Ozwald Boateng joining an exclusive list of iconic celebrity names.
Founder of the Ethnicity Awards, Sarah Garrett MBE, said of this year's awards: "The 2023 Investing in Ethnicity Awards once again celebrates the Black and Ethnic Minority people who are using their platforms to make a difference and promote equality for all. Every single person who was nominated this evening deserves to be recognised, and their achievements highlight exactly why the Ethnicity Awards remains as important as ever."
"It was a wonderful night and a true honour to recognise national treasures such as Gok Wan and Ozwald Boateng and trailblazers such as Steven Bartlett, AJ Odudu and Eni Aluko."
Ian Stuart, CEO of HSBC UK, the official partner of the Ethnicity Awards, added: "HSBC UK is incredibly proud to be a long-time partner of the Investing in Ethnicity Awards, recognising people and organisations making a positive impact on diversity, equity and inclusion across the UK.
"Within our own organisation, we continue to take action to increase representation, remove barriers and help open up opportunities for all our colleagues, our customers and the communities we serve. Congratulations to all the incredible role models and change makers who were nominated this year."
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
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Posthumous Award for Services to Journalism George Alagiah
Sports Personality
Eni Aluko
Music Artist
Rita Ora
Lifetime Achievement Award
Ozwald Boateng
Future Leader
Cecilia Adjei-Sarpong
Charity or Community Initiative
EVR
Inspirational Leader
Oli O'Donoghue
Media Moment (joint winner)
Netflix ’s 'Queen Charlotte
BBC’s 'Dreaming Whilst Black'
Role Model
Gok Wan
Exceptional Inclusion
Nicole Williams
Online Influencer
Miah Carter
Champion Ally
Honey Kirtley
Inspirational Public Figure
Steven Bartlett
Network Group or ERG
BT Ethnic Diversity Network
Outstanding Contribution to Communities
Heela Yoon
Workplace Hero
Seleeta Watson
Presenter, Journalist or Host
AJ Odudu
Social Impact
Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers
Public Service or Campaigner
Harnaam Kaur
Outstanding Employer
KPMG