A social entrepreneur and award-winning broadcaster who went from prison to empowering young offenders to transform their lives after serving time, and a sports media executive influencing policies to make the broadcasting sector fairer and more equitable are among this year’s winners at the annual Black Talent Awards.
Zak Addae-Kodua, who, as a young person, had previously served three separate prison terms for drug and robbery offences, has become a multiple award-winning broadcaster for his podcast XConversation, which aims to both promote the rehabilitation of ex-offenders and support the professionals working within the criminal justice system to diversify the prison workforce.
Addae-Kodua, also a co-presenter on The Sit Down – a podcast that invites guests (both ex-convicts and their families) to talk candidly about their experiences in and out of prison – scooped the Charitable, Voluntary and Social Change gong.
Charlene Gravesande, a former producer at Sky Sports who now runs her own sports media production company to revolutionise creative sports storytelling, won the Media, Marketing and Creative award for her continued advocacy of Black talent within the sports broadcasting industry.
As part of the BAFTA-winning production team for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021, Gravesande had previously won the Game Changer In Sport Businesswoman of the Year at the Great British Businesswoman Awards. Most notably, in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, Gravesande produced a film lasting 9 minutes and 29 seconds – the exact length of time the police officer’s knee was on Floyd’s neck – chronicling the sporting world’s involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Black Talent Awards, now in its third year, sponsored by Merlin Entertainments, Serco, Haleon, Lloyds Banking Group, Coca-Cola and EDF Renewables UK & Ireland – among other key sponsors – was set up in 2022 to celebrate exceptional yet relatable role models who are smashing glass ceilings and promoting fairer and more equitable work environments.
Recruitment entrepreneur and founder of the Black Talent Awards, Denise Myers, said: “Storytelling is a potent force for change. The Black Talent Awards is less about the award and event itself, and more about providing a platform upon which remarkable people can tell their stories.
"Since establishing the Awards, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet with so many inspiring people who succeeded despite the setbacks. Theirs is a story of grit, determination and successes that follow second chances. Storytelling is not a panacea for the racial equality problem but it can move mountains in terms of the wider perceptions of Black achievement, and that is what we hope to do.”
Tim Campbell, former winner of The Apprentice and aide to Lord Alan Sugar, also known for his mentorship of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, joined as brand ambassador to this year’s Awards, supporting a panel of judges including corporate leaders from companies including NatWest, Institute of Directors and The BBC.
The Awards were also attended by West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker.
Other Black Talent Awards winners include:
Bamidele Farinre, who won the Science, Technology, Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction category. A biomedical scientist who was once told by her teacher that she would never succeed in science, Farinre has gone on to become a multi-award-winning STEM ambassador and leader, dedicating much of her career to mentoring the next generation of scientists.
Scooping the Trailblazer award is Trevor Gordon for his transformative work with numerous organisations and civic bodies in driving equality within the education sector long before diversity, equity and inclusion became a social and organisational phenomenon. Born to Windrush-generation parents who immigrated to London in the 60s, Gordon has traversed myriad adversities – from racism and discrimination to bereavement and raising his three children alone – and still broke new ground professionally. Among many of his lifetime achievements, Gordon has spearheaded strategies for improving ethnic minority representation in education at Ravensbourne University and a college in Saudi Arabia, leaving a lasting legacy within the region.
Dominique Sidley, global trade strategy director at Merlin Entertainments, has been at the forefront of the company's partnership with the Black Talent Awards for the past three years, driving the initiative with passion and purpose.
Dominique said: “At Merlin, people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered, with equal opportunities to succeed. We’re proud to sponsor the Evenfields Black Talent Awards for the third year running.
"This partnership offers us invaluable insights into the future of our workforce, helping us build pathways for aspiring talent, particularly from Black communities, to thrive in the branded entertainment industry. We’re excited to celebrate these outstanding individuals on a night of well-deserved recognition.”
Tim Campbell added: “The pioneering work of Denise and her amazing team at the Black Talent Awards continues to unveil inspirational stories of talent positively impacting communities, debunking myths and redefining what success can look like.
"As a proud ambassador for this year's awards, it is truly heart-warming to know the next generation won't have to look far to find even more African Caribbean diasporic stories of success as a result of the awards.”
Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Congratulations to all the winners – their inspiring stories highlight the incredible talent and energy in our community. They stand as role models, showing how challenges can be overcome with determination and self-belief. It’s essential that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. As Mayor, I am deeply committed to investing in our communities to ensure everyone can thrive and succeed in the future."
For more information and to view the full list of winners and their profiles, visit www.blacktalentawards.co.uk
