Sonia Bassey MBE, has been nominated for a Lifetime Achievers prize at this year’s National Diversity Awards.
The Chair of both Africa Oyé and Mandela8 will be recognised at a black-tie ceremony in Liverpool next year, showcasing their outstanding devotion to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion in their field.
The National Diversity Awards – in association with ITV News – celebrates the achievements of grass-roots communities that tackle the issues in today’s society, giving charities, role models and community heroes recognition for their dedication and hard work.
Growing up in the vibrant and active L8 area of Liverpool, Sonia became an entrepreneur at just 19 when she established herself as a community artist and director of her own business, which she still runs today.
She now works as Director of Public Sector Transformation for Cheshire and Warrington, leading transformation of services across the sub region.
As well as chairing the Board of Trustees at Africa Oyé – the UK’s largest celebration of African music and culture, Sonia is also Chair of Liverpool charity Mandela8, who are developing a memorial, representing an outdoor classroom, to Nelson Mandela in Princes Park, Toxteth, Liverpool 8.
Their programmes help to conserve and widely share existing historical and contemporary heritage, as well as supporting community development and cohesion.
Sonia has also previously served as Chair for the Merseyside Black History Month Group and in 2017 was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Liverpool.
The National Diversity Awards ceremony will take place on 26th February 2021 at the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool.
More information and tickets to the awards can be found at https://