Afrikindness Shortlisted for Prestigious National Diversity Awards 2026

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2026

Afrikindness is proud to announce that it has been shortlisted for the National Diversity Awards 2026 in the Community Organisation Award for Race, Faith or Religion, one of the UK’s most prestigious awards celebrating organisations and individuals championing equality, diversity and inclusion.

Selected from more than 80,000 nominations and votes from across the UK, this national recognition celebrates Afrikindness’ unwavering commitment to strengthening families, empowering communities, and breaking down cultural and racial barriers through education, safeguarding, inclusion, and early intervention.

The National Diversity Awards, now in their 15th year, recognise the extraordinary efforts of individuals and organisations making a lasting difference in their communities. This year’s awards are particularly significant as they shine a spotlight on organisations whose work continues to build inclusion, belonging, and opportunity at a time when community-led action has never been more important.

Since its establishment, Afrikindness has become a trusted voice within African and ethnically diverse communities, working collaboratively with families, schools, local authorities, health partners, faith organisations, and voluntary sector organisations to improve outcomes for children and young people.

Through its Community Empowerment Programme, Afrikindness has engaged hundreds of parents, professionals, community leaders and faith organisations with safeguarding training, parenting education, neurodiversity awareness, racial identity programmes, mental health workshops, and culturally responsive interventions designed to strengthen families and protect children.

The organisation has:

Supported hundreds of parents through free educational webinars, workshops, and one-to-one guidance.
Delivered training and awareness sessions reaching children, young people, professionals, schools, and community groups.
Worked alongside faith organisations and African community groups to strengthen safeguarding knowledge and early intervention.
Created culturally responsive resources that help families navigate education, SEND, safeguarding, racial identity, and wellbeing.
Built partnerships across the statutory, voluntary, education, and health sectors to reduce inequalities and improve access to support.

Speaking on behalf of Afrikindness, Bunmi Owolabi, CEO, said:

“To be recognised on a national stage is both humbling and deeply encouraging. This recognition belongs to every volunteer, trustee, parent, community leader, partner organisation and family who has believed in our vision and journey. It affirms that community-led work matters, that culturally responsive approaches create lasting impact, and that together we can build stronger, safer and more inclusive communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

She added:

“We are particularly grateful to the communities we serve for trusting us, to our dedicated volunteers whose passion drives our work every day, and to our partners and funders who continue to invest in creating positive change. This shortlist inspires us to continue reaching families who need support and ensuring no community is left behind.”

Afrikindness has received several regional and national recognitions for its work within a short period of its formation, reflecting its growing impact in addressing issues affecting children, families, safeguarding, neurodiversity, race, and community wellbeing.

The winners of the National Diversity Awards 2026 will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on 18 September 2026 at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, bringing together inspiring individuals and organisations from across the United Kingdom.

View the full list of shortlisted finalists for the National Diversity Awards 2026 here.

🔗 View the Full Shortlist of Finalists:- https://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/awards-2026/shortlist/

As Afrikindness celebrates this milestone, the organisation remains committed to its mission of building stronger families, empowering communities, and creating lasting change through education, collaboration, advocacy, and kindness.