Dr John Roberts QC CBE Annual Achievement Awards Ceremony

Our motto

UMOJA MEANS UNITY -“Education is our right. We strive for excellence. We are talented, ambitious and gifted young people. We aim for the sky."

One of the biggest events in the Descendants calendar, The Dr John Roberts CBE Q.C Achievement Awards ceremony was established in 2005, by Descendants founder Margaret Noel to publicly celebrate young people of African and African - Caribbean descent. We look to challenge the negative media reporting about educational attainment by this group of young people, in particular African - Caribbean boys.

As well as getting a taste of the incredible work and achievements of the nominees during the ceremony, the audience also hear the stories of success, perseverance and raw talent of the students who attend. These are the stories that we celebrate on the night, not only to acknowledge the unquestionably outstanding achievements, but also to celebrate the sheer potential of these young people: our future leaders, doctors, scientists, record breaking athletes, inspiring poets, painters, teachers, pilots and activists just to name a few!

These Awards stand as a reminder that regardless of what negativity might see in the media or on graffitied walls, with our own strong foundations and those of our community it's not only possible to achieve our dreams but to exceed far beyond them.

Categories for nomination:

1. Students who excel in all areas of their education.

2. Students who work hard and achieve against all odds.

3. Students who excel in the arts.

4. Students who excel in sports.

5. Students excelling in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

6. Students displaying entrepreneurial qualities.

7. Future leaders.

MENU FOR THIS YEAR (2023)

Main Course

Jerk chicken breast, roasted sweet potatoes and seasonal vegetables.
Pan fried sea bream with new potatoes, green beans & lemon and butter sauce.
Cauliflower Dhanska (Vegan)

Dessert

New York style vanilla cheesecake
Chocolate fudge cake
Coconut Ice Cream
Fruit Skewers (Vegan, gluten free and nut free)

Testimonials

"You do the community a big service and raising the profile of our students is critical. Its a wonderful spectacle of colour long may you continue."

- Teacher, Arc Acton Academy

"Great achievements for you all especially over the last year, all best wishes from Fiona and colleagues Paxton House. We are really looking forward to our projects together!"

- Paxton House Team, Scotland