BRADFORDIANS of African and Caribbean heritage were recognised for their various contributions to the area at an awards ceremony on Friday.

Bradford community organisation Africa4U held the event at City Library, where African and Caribbean people from across West Yorkshire won awards and gave speeches.

A total of 11 people were recognised at the event, with six of them being from Bradford.

The district’s winners were DJ and community worker Jerry Crawford, actor and founder of digital arts platform Vital UK Tanya Vital, BCB presenter Kaf ‘Muscrat’ Canoville, pHd researcher David Owumi, Dr Olushola Adeborode Kolawole of the Nigerian Community Association Bradford and Osakwe Nonyelum Esther, winner of Miss Commonwealth Africa 2021.

Tony Fernandez, Africa4U founder, said: “It was a pleasure to organise this event, which was supported by City Library and Bradford4Better.”

Tony, who is originally from Nigeria and moved to Bradford five years ago after living in London, added that hearing the recipients speak was “really touching”.

“There was a full house as awardees shared their stories about rising from sometimes very difficult circumstances to be the change they want to see in society.”

Dr Sohail Ahmed, of Bradford4Better, added: “It was a wonderful event showcasing the diversity, talent and beauty of Afro-Caribbean communities in West Yorkshire.

“We were honoured to support such an important event.”