I was delighted to attend Wycombe Multicultural Organisation‘s (WMCO) inaugural Awards Evening, hosted at Buckinghamshire New University on Saturday, 6 September. It featured a reception, dinner, and awards ceremony, and recognised individuals and groups who have made an exceptional contribution to supporting and strengthening the local African Caribbean community through service and volunteering.
“This was WMCO’s way of providing public recognition and saying thank you to our unsung heroes, many of whom achieve so much for the community as charity volunteers.” said Brian Lewis, WMCO’s Chair.
Award categories included Long Serving Community Business, Young Mentors, WMCO Long Service, Food Establishments, and Hair & Beauty Establishments.
It was a true honour to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Sebert Graham. Sebert founded WMCO in 1991, since then the organisation has done so much to improve the lives of the African Caribbean community in Wycombe. At a time when racism is on the increase across the world, we need more leaders like Sebert, who has spent his whole life fighting to bring different communities together.”
Sebert Graham said:
The people of High Wycombe have been kind to me since the day I settled here in 1973. I accepted the award and the kind words recognising my service to our community with thanks and humility.
The evening ended with a raffle benefitting local charity, Hairoun Day Centre and national charity, Cianna’s Smile, followed by music and dancing.
About Wycombe Multicultural Organisation (WMCO)
Founded in 1991, WMCO is a registered community charity. WMCO’s mission is to provide support and services that will improve the educational, economic, social, physical, and spiritual well-being of the estimated 10,000 people of African/Caribbean heritage backgrounds in High Wycombe and its surrounding areas.