Beverley Knight receives major honour at Ethnicity Awards 2024

British music icon has been honoured with a major accolade at the Ethnicity Awards 2024, held in partnership with HSBC UK, tonight.

The soul music icon was presented with her award by Sugababes, Mutya Buena at the glittering ceremony in central London.

Knight was praised for her incredible music career and her work supporting various charities and causes, such as The Prince's Trust and Sickle Cell Society where she has been raising awareness about sickle cell disease and supporting those affected.

The Ethnicity Awards annually honours the most influential figures from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds, celebrating their achievements in advocating for diversity and inclusion.

Among the evening's highlights, Baroness Floella Benjamin received the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award, while British Olympian Alice Dearing was recognised as Sports Personality of the Year.

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As a member of the House of Lords, Benjamin has made a significant contribution to British society by passionately addressing issues that affect children and marginalised communities.

She is also best known for her role in children’s television, particularly as the presenter of the ’s Play School, where she captivated generations with her storytelling and warmth. Meanwhile, Dearing was celebrated for being one of the first Black women to represent Great Britain in swimming at Olympic level.

Other Ethnicity Award winners included BBC’s Nadia Ali who picked up the Broadcaster or Host award and Stormzy’s imprint Merky Books in collaboration with HSBC UK for Social Impact.

Businesses, brands and charity organisations promoting equality and diversity were also honoured including Burberry, Amazon and Oxfam. Celebrities in attendance at the awards hosted by included Naughty Boy, Junaid Ahmed and Alice Hewkin.

Founder of the Ethnicity Awards, Sarah Garrett MBE, said: "The Ethnicity Awards 2024 was a powerful celebration of talent, resilience and achievement. Each winner represents the incredible potential within our diverse communities, reminding us that together we can create a future rich in diversity and innovation. This was another inspirational evening, congratulations to all of the nominees and winners.”

Ian Stuart, CEO of HSBC UK, official partner of the Ethnicity Awards said: “As an organisation that values difference, HSBC UK is incredibly proud to be a long-time official partner of the Investing in Ethnicity Awards - shining a spotlight on efforts to address systemic barriers and ensure people have equal opportunities to realise their full potential. Congratulations to all the incredible role models and change makers this year.”

WINNERS:

Celebrity: Beverley Knight Broadcaster,

Journalist or Host: Nadia Ali

Music Artist: Saloni

Brand and/or Marketing Campaign: Reclaiming School Picture Day for Dove by We Are The Romans

Charity/Contribution to Community: Halima Begum - Oxfam

Social Impact: Merky Books and Creative Access (Joint winners)

Online Influencer: Mason Blake

Inspirational Leader: Geoffrey Williams - Burberry

Future Leader: Olivia Grant – Reed Smith LLP

Exceptional Inclusion: Jacquline Alcindor - Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM)

Workplace Hero: Annmarie Holligan - BT Group

Champion Ally: Mat Moakes - OVO

Sports Personality: Alice Dearing

Outstanding Employer: HSBC UK

Network Group or ERG: Black Employee Network - Amazon

Lifetime Achievement - Baroness Floella Benjamin

The Ethnicity Awards annually celebrates Diversity and Inclusion in business, sport and entertainment.

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