Ex-Con Turned Social Entrepreneur Among 2024 Black Talent Awards Winners

BIRMINGHAM, UK. 4th October, 2024 - Ex-con turned social entrepreneur Zak Addae-Kodua, and sports media executive Charlene Gravesande are among the winners at this year’s Black Talent Awards 2024. Held at Birmingham’s ICC on 4th October, the event recognises individuals who are breaking barriers and championing diversity in their respective fields.

Zak Addae-Kodua, who previously served three separate prison terms for drug and robbery offences, received the Charitable, Voluntary and Social Change award. Now an award-winning broadcaster, Addae-Kodua hosts XConversation, a podcast 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. He is also the co-presenter of 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.

Charlene Gravesande, a former producer at Sky Sports and now head of her own sports media company, won the Media, Marketing and Creative award, recognised 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, celebrates exceptional yet relatable role models who are smashing glass ceilings and promoting fairer and more equitable work environments.The event is sponsored by companies including Merlin Entertainments, Serco, Haleon, Lloyds Banking Group, Coca-Cola, and EDF Renewables UK & Ireland, and was set up in 2022.

Recruitment entrepreneur and Founder of the Black Talent Awards, Denise Myers, commented: “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 MBE, former winner of The Apprentice and aide to Lord Alan Sugar, and a mentor for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, joined this year’s awards as a brand ambassador. He supported a panel of judges that included corporate leaders from NatWest, the Institute of Directors, and the BBC. The event was also attended by West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker.

Other Black Talent Awards winners include:

Bamidele Farinre, a biomedical scientist, won the Science, Technology, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Construction award. Farinre has become a multi-award-winning STEM ambassador, despite being told early in her life that she would not succeed in science. Today, she is a leader in her field and actively mentors the next generation of scientists.

Trevor Gordon received the Trailblazer award for his pioneering work in education. Gordon, the son of Windrush-generation parents, has spent his career driving equality in the education sector. He has spearheaded initiatives to improve ethnic minority representation at institutions such as Ravensbourne University and a college in Saudi Arabia.

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. Reflecting on this milestone, 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 MBE 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 West Midlands commented: 

“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