The inaugural Multicultural INSPIRE Awards ceremony took place on Saturday 22 November 2025, celebrating the UK's most inspirational individuals. The event brought together nearly 600 guests, making it one of the largest independently run award ceremonies dedicated to championing ethnic minorities in the UK.
The ceremony honoured figures who have made exceptional contributions to corporate and community sectors over the past year. Among the most celebrated honourees was legendary broadcaster Moira Stuart CBE, who received the Lifetime Achievement Honorary award, becoming the first Black woman to present national news. Dame Denise Lewis accepted the Icon Honorary award for her groundbreaking work in athletics and breaking barriers for Black girls in sport and media. Comedian Angie Le-Mar, recognised as the first Black female comedian, received the Trailblazer Honorary award. Dr Beverly Lindsay OBE was honoured with the Special Recognition Honorary award for her advocacy work supporting Jamaica.
Twelve category winners
The awards featured 12 categories recognising outstanding achievements across a range of sectors. Tony Wolf, founder of Floor Street, was crowned Most Inspirational Entrepreneur of the Year. Khamani Edwards, the 17-year-old founder of KJ's Craft Time, received the inaugural Rising Star award. Sheniece Charway, Head of Music Culture at YouTube, was named for Outstanding Contribution to Leadership.
Other notable winners included Dr Tunde Okewale OBE, recognised as Outstanding Community Champion for his work making law accessible; Women in Sport, which received Outstanding Contribution to Sport; and Selina Brown, founder of Europe's largest Black book festival, who took home Outstanding Contribution to Equality & Diversity.
A night of celebration
The evening featured celebrity presenters including Linford Christie, Scarlette Douglas and Jamelia, who presented honorary awards. Hosts Leah Charles-King and Kane Brown guided the proceedings, while performances by BRSKO, Bianca Payne-Reid and Khadeja Edwards delivered a spectacular show.
Dr Tru Powell, founder of the awards, said: “I am extremely blown away by how the first year of these awards has been embraced by the community.”
The event also collaborated with Black Women Rising, its chosen charity partner, focusing the ceremony's theme on celebrating Black women while raising awareness of how cancer affects women of colour.