Hello, I am Shar Sangster, the co-founder of Manchester’s Got Talent Youth (MGTY) and Manchester’s Got Talent communities.

As a fully qualified youth and community worker, I am deeply passionate about fostering positive change. I serve on the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) as part of the Independent Community Scrutiny Panel (ICSP), collaborating closely with Greater Manchester Police (GMP). Additionally,

I am a member of the Greater Manchester (GM) Racial Equality Panel, where I work on promoting equality within public sectors. My dedication to community health is reflected in my roles as a volunteer health champion, blood pressure champion, Connect champion, and Answer Cancer champion.

Furthermore, I am a qualified massage therapist. Balancing my professional commitments, I am also a proud single mother to my son, Zeriah. He is my equal partner in MGTY, managing the youth side while I focus on community engagement, and we support each other in our endeavors.

One of my proudest achievements was a 15,000-foot skydive to support Christie’s Hospital. This effort was a heartfelt tribute to a friend I lost suddenly and a way to thank Christie’s for their invaluable support.

Despite my numerous responsibilities, I manage to excel in my roles because of my passion for my work and the people I work with.

I am known for my professionalism and organisational skills, but I also bring a fun and energetic spirit to my work, whether it’s dancing, jumping around, hosting on stage, entertaining communities, or broadcasting on the radio. I am committed to making a lasting impact and look forward to continuing this journey with all of you.  

The (Sold Out) UK African/Afro Caribbean Awards (a one-of-a-kind in the UK
and the Western world)!

The UK African/Afro Caribbean Awards was recently held at the Chelsea Theatre in Central London on Sunday, November 17th, 2024.

This event was a collaborative effort from various African and Afro-Caribbean Muslim organisations to celebrate excellence, achievement, and trailblazing contributions among Black Muslims in UK communities.

The curators – Amina Adwoa Fetuga of Sunlight Life Coaching, Ismael Lea South from The Salam Project, and Jamal Sealey – dedicated themselves to orchestrating an unforgettable evening which was sponsored generously by the Aziz Foundation, the Arabica Institute, and Rabaah Publishing

The event drew a vibrant and diverse crowd, of African and Caribbean heritage
Muslims from various denominations and schools of thought.

As attendees gathered outside, the atmosphere crackled with excitement and anticipation, setting the stage for a truly special occasion.

Inside, the evening unfolded with a bustling bazaar. Stalls showcased exquisite calligraphy artefacts, unique fashion brands, and health products that catered to various interests.

Each booth was designed to entice and inform, with information stalls thoughtfully positioned in front of the main theatre hall, creating a dynamic space for exploration and connection.

Unfortunately, there was a momentary interruption when the fire alarm suddenly blared, prompting a swift evacuation of the theatre. Guests spent approximately 30 minutes outside, awaiting the all-clear, before the event could continue. Despite the brief pause, the atmosphere remained lively and engaging once proceedings resumed.

The hosts for the evening were award-winning spoken word poet and author Muneera Tanya Williams, along with Ali Kamara, a host from Islam Channel TV.

They maintained a high- energy and positive atmosphere throughout the night.

The evening included motivational talks featuring Rakin Niass, Yusuf Ramadan, Fatimah
Haneef and Jennifer Abdullah (Ziyad 4 All). There were also spoken word performances
from Creative Sekeena and Muneera Tanya Williams. Diesel brought the house down with his comedy, leaving the audience in stitches.

The future looks bright for Black Muslims of African and Afro-Caribbean descent in the UK.

THE WINNERS BELOW

1. Philanthropist of the Year – Lizzamah Akinlade
2. STEM Champion- Barakah Hassan (Sisters In Tech)
3. Sports Person of the Year – Zainab Alema (Rugby Player)
4. Academic of the Year – Sahra – Isha Muhammad-Jones (ASRA Club)
5. Performing Artist of the Year – Muslim Belal
6. Business Entrepreneur of the Year – Spencer Fearon
7. Media Professional of the Year – Khaleel Muhammad
8. Author of the Year – Sekina Yakoub
9. Charity of the Year – Ziyad 4 All
10. Caterer of the Year – Love’s Kitchen
11. Community Activist of the Year – Iman Abdullah
12. Women’s Champion of the Year – Anisah Abdullah

I can’t wait to attend next year’s event! It was filmed for the Islam Channel and will be
broadcast in the future.

Business Entrepreneur winner, Spencer Fearon and event host Muneera Tanya Williams

Sportsperson of the Year, Zainab Alema (Premiership Rugby Player)

Jennifer Abdullah of Ziyad 4 All (Charity of the Year award winner)

Guest speaker, Fatimah Haneef (youth leader & a psychotherapy doctor in training)

Event host, Ali Kamara (Islam Channel TV & The Vibe Podcast)

Ashley ‘Muslim Belal’ Chin (won Performing Artist of the Year on the night)

ONCE AGAIN A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS

Yvonne Bethune is the visionary founder and director of Creative Companion Collaborations (The 3C’s), a Community Interest Company (CIC) in London dedicated to improving the lives of elderly, isolated, widowed individuals, and those suffering from dementia. With a deep passion for fostering social connections and promoting well-being, Yvonne has developed a wide range of services designed to empower older adults, helping them lead connected, fulfilling, and vibrant lives. Her background in community development, along with her heart for service, has been essential in creating a warm and inclusive environment where seniors can access support, engage in meaningful activities, and form lasting relationships. She believes in celebrating diversity and nurturing individual talents, ensuring every member of the community feels valued and supported.

Under Yvonne’s leadership, The 3C’s has become a beacon of hope for those facing social isolation, offering not only resources and support but also opportunities for personal growth and creative expression. Through her dedication, Yvonne continues to inspire and empower older adults and individuals with dementia across London, ensuring they stay informed, engaged, and connected. Www.the3cs.uk

Dear Family and Friends .

It was a pleasure to organise The Black History Month Celebrations at The Uk House of Parliament, Westminster, London on Monday the 18th of November 2024.

We have been organising The Black History Month Celebrations at The Uk House of Parliament ever since 2013 .

This year we had some amazing speakers from across the country.

The theme of the day was “ Our History, Our Stories – Being the change you want to see in society

OUR SPECIAL GUEST was The MP for Newcastle Central – MP Chi Onwurah. MP Onwurah was the sponsor for our event and continues to champion great causes. She also gave an inspirational speech that reflected the importance of being the change we want to see in society.

There were other amazing speakers on the day. They included Dr Ben Isreal, Mr Ernest Ebele Obumselu, Mercia Jensen, Mr Sylevester of Pop Finder UK, Yvonne Bethurne, Atta Koaussi, Brother Nia , Sister Elmedina and several other.

The Soul of any community, lives within the hear of its people

Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez

Watch this space for the updates.