A chairman and her charity have been recognised for championing equality, diversity and inclusion in Medway.

Medway Culture Club, and Camealia Xavier-Chihota have been nominated for national awards.

Last month, the not-for-profit and Camealia were chosen for two categories of the prestigious and televised Multicultural Business and Community Champion Awards (MBCC).

Medway Culture Club were picked for the ‘Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion’ group, based on their work to address educational gaps in curriculums and for highlighting positive contributions to society.

Camealia said: “I’m really proud of the team who have pulled together over the last three years to make a difference and an impact on our local community – it's an honour to even be nominated for such a national award.

“If we are fortunate enough to be shortlisted, it would be a hugely proud moment for us.”

Also a co-founder of the charity, Camealia has been nominated for her own award for her personal contributions to the club.

She said: “I’m gobsmacked that someone out there thinks that I am a social campaigner of the year and I’m among great company in that category - some of whom I know and are great opponents.”

Camealia is the granddaughter of the late Asquith Xavier, a social campaigner who fought for racial inequalities in the workplace and led to the amendment of the 1968 Race Relations Act.

“My grandfather’s achievements in the diversity, equity and inclusion space in the 60s have definitely inspired me to be the change I wish to see and advocate for the celebration of our differences which help shape the multicultural Britain we live in.

“It’s an honour that someone thinks I deserve an award, but in reality, the work I do is rewarding in itself,” she said.

The MBCC awards will be held on December 2 at Hilton Birmingham Metropole and 14 awards will be up for grabs.

Previous winners include singers Jamelia and Beverly Knight, and actor Sir Lenny Henry.

First created during the pandemic, Medway Culture Club was formed to counteract social isolation and encourage racial harmony in the Towns.

Since then, it has hosted a number of successful events, including an annual Notting Hill style carnival.

The club has consistently been recognised for its efforts to celebrate diversity and inclusion and was also nominated for a National Diversity Award last year.

Camealia said: “It brings me joy to lead an amazing team of volunteers with a shared desire to help young people build relationships, esteem, aspirations and a broader perspective, inclusively.

“It’s really just remarkable that someone somewhere is putting us forward and has that faith in us to spur us on and keep us all motivated as we volunteer on the side of our day jobs.”

Anyone who wishes to vote for Medway Culture Club or Camealia Xavier-Chihota for the MBCC awards can do so here.