Our Version Media’s founder, Veronica Gordon, has been awarded a Black History Month South Award for her work “amplifying black voices” in Southampton. The Award was presented during the city’s official Black History Month launch, as she was co-hosting alongside BHM South’s Lou Taylor and Olu Rowe.

The launch, took place on Thursday 1st October 2020 and, for the first time, was streamed online due to government restrictions because of the coronavirus.

Guest speakers included Southampton’s Mayor, Cllr Sue Blatchford; Hampshire Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Olivia Pinkney; Southampton City of Culture 2025’s bid director, Claire Whitaker OBE; Radian’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Savinder Bhamra; and Solent University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor of Students and Teaching, Nona McDuff.

The Black History Month South Awards recognises and acknowledges individuals who have made a significant contribution to the city’s black and diverse communities.

Veronica was one of four award recipients, receiving her award for “being at the forefront of amplifying black voices” in the city. Veronica has been doing so since 2005 when she founded the Vibrant Vibes radio show on Unity 101 Community Radio. The programme, which has grown into a team of eight, covers news, views, topics and events for – and from – the city’s black British, African and Caribbean communities, providing a platform for these under-represented voices.

Watch the moment Veronica’s award was announced:

Other Award recipients were equal rights campaigner, Angela Chicken; funeral director, Sonia Forbes, for supporting black families in times of grief; and Jean Holmes-Morris, for her work with the Basingstoke Caribbean Society.

There was also a performance by 15-year-old singer, Isla Croll, who had featured on ITV’s The Voice Kids this year. 

The keynote speech was given by former Birmingham City footballer, and outspoken commentator on race issues, Richie Moran.

Watch the full Black History Month 2020 launch: