Celebrating Excellence and Legacy: The Association of Jamaican Nationals (AJN) Local Heroes and Be Inspired Youth Gala & Awards 2025
- Cerise & Kerri Reynolds
- Dec 4
- 2 min read
As part of Black History Month, the AJN hosted its 35th Annual Local Heroes and Be Inspired Youth Gala & Awards 2025. This long-standing event, which also coincides with Jamaican National Heritage Week, celebrates the achievements, service, and inspiration within the Jamaican community.
Better Together- A Call for Unity
This year’s theme, “Better Together,” highlighted the power of cohesion and collective progress. The distinguished Professor Robert Beckford, renowned scholar, activist, and filmmaker, delivered the keynote address, reminding us of the importance of community spirit. Drawing on familiar Jamaican sayings which have guided generations, such as “One hand washes the other” and “Every mickle makes a muckle,” Professor Beckford emphasized simple yet profound principles for continued growth and prosperity within our community. His message was both inspiring and timely, empowering all to be catalysts for collaboration and collectivism within the community.
Honouring Trailblazers
The evening provided a fitting moment to reflect on the invaluable contributions of visionaries who have built and strengthened our collective legacy. Among them was Sir Godfrey Henry Oliver Palmer KT OBE CD, Honorary President and Patron of the AJN, a pioneer in science and Scotland’s first Black professor. Internationally recognised for his groundbreaking research in grain science, particularly the barley abrasion process, Sir Godfrey arrived in England in 1955 as part of the Windrush generation. Beyond his scientific achievements, he was also deeply respected as a historian and tireless campaigner for equity, values that RAFFA International Development Agency shares and continues to champion.
Recognising the Next Generation of Leaders
The 2025 Gala also recognised individuals whose steadfast commitment continues to strengthen the bonds that unite the Jamaican community from entrepreneurs and medical professionals to the young leaders who are making impactful strides in our community and embody promise, purpose, and unity. Several young leaders were awarded for their remarkable achievements including:
Providing pro-bono services specialising in immigration law.
Assisting members of the community without legal representation to navigate the legal system.
Coordinating a relief drive for St Vincent following the 2021 volcanic eruption.
Shipping barrels of vital supplies and raising nearly £2,000 for Jamaica National Children's Home.
A Legacy of Empowerment
The AJN's Local Heroes and Be Inspired Youth Gala remains a powerful reminder of the individuals that make a real difference within our community. It celebrates not only those who have paved the way but also those who continue to carry the torch forward, ensuring that our collective legacy remains vibrant, relevant, and strong.
As we look to the future, one message resonated clearly throughout the evening:
We are truly “Better Together"
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