TO MARK Black History Month (BHM) 2021, Gwynedd Council was proud to support the North Wales African Society’s (NWAS) awards ceremony which honoured those who have helped others in their community during difficult times.

NWAS is a constituted group which was established in September 2018.

It is a collective of members of the African diaspora community and people who have an interest in Africa and its vision is to achieve a vibrant inclusive society by focusing on social, education and business issues of mutual interest between Wales and Africa.

The awards ceremony, held in Bangor, applauded people who have gone above and beyond to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were inspirational examples of those who delivered food, organised children’s activities, helped tackle the problem of loneliness and social isolation and helped encourage people to get their vaccinations.

Councillor Elwyn Jones, Gwynedd Council deputy chair, attended the ceremony and presented an award.

He said: “It was an honour to represent the council at this event and to present an award; I very much enjoyed the vibrant celebration.

“The people I met and the stories I heard were a real inspiration and I look forward to the council forging ever closer relationships with the organisation.”

Dr Victor Ebuele, from the NWAS, said: “As the general secretary of NWAS, it was a great honour and privilege to host this BHM Awards; we are really proud of this one.

“A profound thanks to the Gwynedd Council for their continuous support, and also a big congratulations to myself and everyone who received awards on the day.

“NWAS will continue to be committed to creating a vibrant inclusive society embracing our core values; that is friendship and inclusiveness with platforms available to Africans in diaspora living in North Wales.”

Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Gwynedd Council cabinet member for diversity, added: “As a council, we are proud to support this event and to note the importance of BHM.

“People from the black community play a significant role in our society and have done so for generations, and this awards ceremony is a great way to come together in celebration of what we have in common.

“As the cabinet member for diversity, I’m always eager to highlight instances of people from different backgrounds showing leadership and making a difference to other people’s lives.

“The work of NWAS, and those who were honoured in the awards ceremony, is a fantastic example of this.”

Since May 2021, the society has opened the Bangor African and Caribbean Centre (BACC) on the city high street.

There, they provide an advice and information service for people, and hope to hold Welsh lessons to provide an opportunity for social activities and outreach, for example through food festivals (African and Welsh), music, and arts support for people in the future.