UNISON presents the Nelson Mandela Award every year to someone who has ‘gone above and beyond to represent Black members’, following a decision at the 2015 Black members’ conference.
Nelson Mandela was South Africa’s first Black president, who saw democracy established after decades of apartheid rule which, for Black people, meant living with years of racial segregation and systemic oppression.
His vision was for a truly united South Africa and he became a powerful global figure of resistance.
UNISON is proud to have made Mandela an honorary president and to have stood by him and others in their historic struggle for equality, justice and bring an ending apartheid.
The union recognises that there is an abundance of talent among our Black membership and that there are many people who tirelessly contribute to the fight for racial equality.
The award will be presented to someone who has supported and ‘gone above and beyond to represent Black members’, celebrating their achievements, courage and determination within the union and more widely in our society.
The award winner will be invited to attend the next Black members’ conference, as a guest of the national committee, where they will be presented with the award.
Submitting a qualifying nomination
- The nominating body should complete the nomination form.
- Nominations should be supported by branches or regional Black members’ committees.
- Completed forms with all the relevant signatures should be sent by email to blackmembers@unison.co.uk or posted to Bukky Akinwale at the UNISON centre, 130 Euston Road NW1 2AY and received by 5pm on 31 August 2016.
Dates
- Signed nomination forms submission deadline: Thursday 31 August 5pm.
- Award winner contacted and announced: Monday 25 September.
- Award presented at 2018 Black members conference, Liverpool, 19-21 January 2018.
