Operation Black Vote has been shortlisted for the UK’s Largest Diversity Awards

Operation Black Vote (OBV) has been shortlisted for the Community Organisation Award for Race, Religion & Faith: Sponsor - The British Army at the National Diversity Awards 2022.

An astonishing 72,000 people nominated this year alone and the results are finally in for the National Diversity Awards (NDA), with an astonishing 126 nominees being recognised for their various achievements nationwide.

Community organisations and role models from across the UK will head to the breathtaking Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on 16th September to witness the country's 2022 winners being crowned the best of British diversity.

Amongst those being honoured are charities, campaigners and activists, all of whom work tirelessly to combat injustice and discrimination in very different ways.

OBV shortlisted for the Community Organisation Award for Race, Religion & Faith said:

At our core Operation Black Vote exists to ensure we have greater racial justice and equality throughout the UK. We work specifically, but not exclusively within the democratic and civic framework to deliver our objectives. But ultimately we seek to inspire under-represented communities to engage with our public institutions in order to address the persistent race inequalities we face in areas such as: education, health and employment.

Ever since our launch in 1996, UK democracy has seen a quantum leap in progress, which has been fuelled in part by OBV's ardent commitment and work. There has been a 400% increase in MPs from 4 to 65 – 10% of whom are OBV alumni; 200 magistrates from OBV alumni have contributed over ten thousand hours of court service; 150 councillors have come through our leadership programmes; and thousands of our alumni have contributed to every strain and vein of public, political life, and community wellbeing.

We are determined to continue the work we do in earnest. Recognition here will add to our standing in support of the intersecting causes we share a mutual passion for.”

Direct Line Group, Kantar and The British Army have recently been announced as sponsors of the pioneering awards that have paid tribute to over 1000 grass root groups and diversity champions since its inception. ITV News are also listed amongst a host of companies showcasing their support to recognising diverse talent, providing a platform to our unsung heroes.

Helen Robinson, D&I & Community Engagement Manager, Auto Trader UK, said:

At Auto Trader we are delighted to partner with the National Diversity Awards for another year and celebrate the magnificent people and community groups that are making the UK more diverse and inclusive. We want to recognise their efforts, share their stories far and wide to encourage others to support their work as well as inspire them to take action.”

Designed to highlight the country's most inspirational and selfless people, the NDA's continue to gain endorsements from high profile figures such as Sir Lenny Henry CBE and Graham Norton. Activist Katie Piper, Emmerdale star Ash Palmisciano and Paralympic Gold Medallist Danny Creates were on this year’s judging panel, dedicating their time to help choose the highly anticipated shortlist.

Author and philanthropist, Katie Piper said:

I am so proud to be on the judging panel for the National Diversity Awards. In what has been a tough year for many, I am so pleased these awards create and celebrate a new generation of positive role models. As a campaigner myself, I will love reading about the excellent achievements of grass-root communities which tackle the issues in today’s society with sheer dedication. I can’t wait to honour these charities, role models and community heroes who will have shown outstanding commitment to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion.”

Previous winners include Black Girls Hike Founder Rhiane Fatinikun, domestic abuse charity WAVES Counselling Project, and actor Warwick Davis.

Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of the National Diversity Awards added:

What an incredible year it has been for nominations, we received more than ever before showcasing the UK’s role models in all their glory. Producing this shortlist was extremely difficult due to the vast amount of invaluable work being carried out. The UK has truly embraced the spirit of The National Diversity Awards by uniting through adversity to create a host of incredible initiatives. The profound impact made by all our nominees is life changing, and I feel humbled to know that so much goodness is all around us.

After weeks of deliberating and thousands of heartfelt testimonials later, I am delighted to finally present to you the best of British Diversity. Congratulations to all of our shortlisted nominees, it is an honour to recognise your fearlessness, resilience and humanitarian efforts with the rest of the world. Let’s continue the fight for justice, unity and equality for all.”

To view a full list of nominees please visit www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk