BLACK HISTORY AWARD 2026
REBRANDING STATEMENT
Greater Manchester Black History Month Celebration: Festival of African Arts, Culture, Dance & Awards 2026
The Nigeria Community Association Rochdale is proud to announce the rebranding and expansion of its annual Black History Month programme into the Greater Manchester Black History Month Celebration: Festival of African Arts, Culture, Dance & Awards 2026.
Since 2018, our community-led celebrations have provided a platform for recognising excellence, preserving heritage, and showcasing the rich contributions of African and Black communities through our flagship Black History Month Awards and Black History Month Magazine.
This new identity reflects our vision to build a stronger, more inclusive and regionally connected celebration that embraces communities across Greater Manchester. It recognises that Black history is a shared heritage, enriched by diverse experiences, cultures, and achievements that continue to shape our society.
At the heart of this festival is a commitment to celebrating African arts, culture, dance, creativity, and community leadership while providing opportunities for young people, families, artists, and community champions to connect, inspire, and thrive.
The Black History Month Awards will continue to honour individuals and organisations making outstanding contributions to community life, education, enterprise, public service, and cultural development. Likewise, the Black History Month Magazine remains a lasting record of our stories, achievements, and collective legacy for future generations.
As we embark on this new chapter, the Nigeria Community Association Rochdale remains firmly committed to the values of unity, inclusion, cultural pride, and community empowerment. We look forward to strengthening partnerships across Greater Manchester to ensure that Black history and African heritage are celebrated, valued, and sustained as an integral part of the region’s cultural landscape.
This is more than a rebrand; it is a celebration of growth, collaboration, and a shared commitment to honouring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future.
BLACK HISTORY AWARD 2026
Greater Manchester Black History Awards
Nominations Now Open
We are delighted to announce that nominations for the Greater Manchester Black History Awards are now officially open.
We invite and encourage everyone to help us recognise and celebrate outstanding individuals and organisations that have made a positive impact within our communities. We would greatly appreciate your support in nominating deserving candidates across the award categories outlined below.
Nominations are open to all, and anyone can nominate an individual or organisation.
Closing date: Friday, 31 July, at 12:00 noon.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating excellence together.
BLACK HISTORY AWARD CATEGORIES
Lifetime Achievement Award:
For an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the community over many years.
Community Champion Award:
For an individual who has made a significant positive impact within the community through voluntary or professional service.
Outstanding Volunteer Award:
Recognising an individual who has devoted their time, skills and commitment to supporting community initiatives.
Inspirational Leadership Award:
For a leader who has demonstrated vision, integrity and commitment in serving their community.
Cultural Ambassador Award:
Recognising an individual who actively promotes Nigerian heritage, culture and traditions within the wider community.
Future Leader Award:
Recognising exceptional potential and commitment among emerging young leaders.
Youth Volunteer Award:
For a young person who has made an outstanding contribution through volunteering.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award:
For an individual who has championed inclusion, social cohesion and equal opportunities.
Health and Wellbeing Impact Award:
For organisations improving physical, mental or emotional wellbeing.
Faith Organisation Community Impact Award:
For a faith-based organisation promoting unity, wellbeing and community support.
Outstanding Educator Award:
For teachers, mentors or educational professionals making a lasting impact.
Cultural Organisation of the Year:
In recognition of an organisation that has excelled in promoting cultural heritage, diversity, inclusion, and community cohesion through impactful programmes, events, and initiatives.
Community Business of the Year:
To a business that has demonstrated excellence in supporting the local community through ethical practices, social responsibility, job creation, community partnerships, and positive impact.
THE SIGNATURE AWARD CATEGORIES
Mayor’s Recognition Award:
To an individual or organisation that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving Rochdale community through exceptional service, leadership, and positive impact.
President’s Special Recognition Award:
To an individual whose extraordinary dedication, vision, and lifetime or exceptional contribution have significantly advanced the mission and values of the organisation and the wider community.
MP Recognition Award:
For a recognition of exceptional civic engagement, community leadership, and meaningful contributions that have strengthened the constituency and inspired positive change.
Council Leader Recognition Award:
To an individual, organisation, or community group that has demonstrated outstanding leadership, partnership, and commitment to improving the lives of Rochdale residents.