Spotlighting Remarkable Achievements

The Medway African and Caribbean Association (MACA) is set to celebrate a record-breaking year of community excellence, diversity, and youth achievement this weekend. The 19th annual Sankofa Young Black Achievers Awards, 10th annual Young People United (YPU) Awards, and Diversity Awards will honour over 30 outstanding individuals and organisations.

The prestigious ceremony, taking place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Kings School, Rochester, is the only event of its kind in Kent and Medway to champion these achievements. Awards will be presented across citizenship, diversity, heritage, and service, including Windrush Awards and recognition for African and Caribbean Armed Forces veterans.

Dr. Carol Stewart, MACA Chairperson, stated: “This is a record year, and the event is always the highlight of our calendar. More than ever, events like this play a crucial role in bringing communities together, celebrating our many differences, and actively breaking down divisions. We are incredibly proud to be one of the only charities in the region championing this crucial work.”

Spotlighting Remarkable Achievements

The Next Generation of Young Leaders

This year’s awards highlight inspiring achievements from young leaders:

  • Global Cycling Feat: Five fearless 16–17-year-olds from the YPU group will be honoured for conquering an epic cycling challenge from the UK to Europe, smashing their GoFundMe target for the Mark Evison Foundation.
  • Technology & Innovation: Anyar (15) is recognised as the ‘Best Self-Taught Advanced Technology Youth,’ demonstrating remarkable skills and commitment.
  • Citizenship: The Young People United (YPU) team will be celebrated for their National Lottery-funded Uncovering Histories: Medway Memories project, which created a school resource to teach Black British History and connect students to their area’s rich, diverse history.
  • Five young people, including Aaliyah Likuluta (17) and Titilayo Owolabi (20), will be honoured with Citizenship Awards.

Champions of Diversity and Community Service

  • MACA is also recognising several individuals and organisations for their impactful work in promoting inclusion
  • Unsung Hero: Sandra Hemans-Davis receives a Diversity Award for her consistent, selfless dedication, volunteering her time and vehicle to ensure MACA seniors remain connected and active.
  • Cultural Support: Elizabeth is celebrated for inspiring and supporting young people, especially unaccompanied asylum seekers, by teaching them the rich roots of Africa through art, crafts, and cooking.
  • Cross-Cultural Bridge: Valerie Jones-Ellis is honoured for her role in introducing and promoting MACA to individuals from the Asian community, fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchange.
  • Arts & Inclusion: Lyricai Arts (Nicole Paull and Keely Augustus) will be honoured for their “transformative” community engagement through the arts, including their SOUL FOOD and SHOWDOWN productions. Kate Mechedou (Mrs Baker’s Medway Theatre Company) is also recognised for championing diversity by raising awareness of Black heritage in Kent through theatre.
  • Health and Well-being: Desiree (Cleopatras Legacy) is recognised for her work in championing diversity and addressing health inequalities, particularly in supporting women through breast cancer. Daniel Clarke is honoured for providing professional therapy and natural remedies to the MACA Seniors group.
  • Community Hub: Sunlight Development Centre is recognised for being the long-term home for MACA and consistently integrating diversity across its staff, trustees, and volunteers.
  • Unity Event Organisers: Emma Bush and Daisy Deller are honoured for organising the successful Unity Family Day, bringing together over 300 people from all backgrounds.
  • Long-Term Commitment: The Royal Engineers Museum is recognised for playing host to major diversity events, including a carnival and a commemoration of the African and Caribbean contribution to VE Day. Chris Wyatt is also recognised for his long-term dedication, including suggesting the YPU awards in memory of Safiya Stewart.
  • Happiness Project: Genny Jones is celebrated for her tireless work, including a Pride of Britain nomination, for spreading joy through her “Happiness Project Kent.”
  • Veterans Honoured: African and Caribbean veterans who served in the Armed Forces, including Clinton Dawson and Beverley Fleck, will be recognised as part of MACA’s VE and VJ Day commemorations.

The ceremony will feature local talent, including up-and-coming UK MC Clavis7ven, and will be attended by local Councillors from both the Labour and Conservative parties, demonstrating vital cross-party support.

The ceremony takes place this weekend, Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Kings School, Rochester, Kent. Doors open at 7:00 PM.