In a cultural and political landscape where Black Muslim stories are often overlooked or reduced to stereotypes, the Black Muslim Awards 2026 offered a different narrative: one of achievement, creativity, leadership and service.
Hosted at Saffron Gallery in Stratford, London, the prestigious ceremony shone a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of Black Muslims across British society, recognising individuals and organisations whose work continues to shape communities, challenge perceptions and inspire future generations. More than an awards show, it was a reminder of the contributions Black Muslims continue to make across British society, often with little public recognition.
Hosted by acclaimed spoken-word artist broadcaster Muneera Pilgrim and dynamic storyteller and performer Alim Kamara, the ceremony combined performances, speeches and tributes with a simple but powerful purpose: recognising those whose work is strengthening communities, challenging barriers and creating opportunities for others.
A keynote address from Professor Mashood Baderin reflected on the importance of representation, encouraging unity, belonging and collective achievement. Performances by Aicha the Poet, comedian Prince Abdi and singer Khaled Siddiq ensured the evening remained both reflective and celebratory.
The awards were supported by headline sponsors Aziz Foundation, Awra Invest, Read Foundation, Human Appeal and the British Muslim Trust, reflecting a shared commitment to recognising achievement, supporting community development and amplifying underrepresented voices.
The breadth of this year’s recipients illustrated the wide-ranging impact of Black Muslim communities across multiple sectors.
Among those recognised was writer and digital creator Zainab Hassan, who received the Social Media Content Creator Award. Through her platform, The Documented Life, Hassan has built a growing audience around wellbeing, self-development and intentional living, creating spaces where faith, wellness and personal growth intersect.
The Performing Artist Award went to Canab Cuud, a Somali Buraanbur artist whose work draws on one of the Horn of Africa’s most enduring poetic traditions. Her performances, centred on womanhood, motherhood and cultural identity, demonstrate the continuing vitality of African oral storytelling and artistic expression.
Entrepreneurship was recognised through Hands of Imaani, winner of the Business Entrepreneur Award. The faith-inspired fashion brand has combined commercial success with a commitment to social responsibility, donating a proportion of its profits to charitable causes.
One of the evening’s most moving moments came when Kinsi Abdulleh, founder of Numbi Arts, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. For decades, Kinsi has been at the forefront of using arts and culture as a tool for community empowerment. Her work has helped create platforms for Black voices that have too often been absent from mainstream cultural institutions. The award recognised a legacy of creative leadership, cultural preservation and community building that has inspired generations.
The People’s Choice Award was presented to Inspyre, the creative platform founded by Mohamed Imam and Sharmarke Ahmed. Through book clubs, youth projects, workshops and cultural events, the organisation has built a loyal following while encouraging a new generation to engage with literature, creativity and critical thinking.
Across the awards, there was a clear emphasis on service and social impact.
Dr Ayo Khalil Moiett, an NHS doctor, peace advocate and community organiser, received the Peace Advocate Award for work spanning healthcare, social justice and grassroots engagement. His recognition reflected the increasingly important role being played by professionals who bridge public service and community leadership.
The Charity and Non-Profit Award went to Let’s Make Noise, an organisation supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities while also assisting mothers facing housing insecurity. At a time when many community organisations are navigating rising demand and reduced resources, the award highlighted the crucial role of local support networks.
Meanwhile, Taqia Adelabu received the Sports Advocate Award after an extraordinary sporting journey that began only a few years ago. A mother of five, Adelabu discovered running in 2023 and has since completed the London Marathon each year, alongside numerous 10km races, half marathons and a 100km ultramarathon. A qualified running coach, she leads weekly training sessions and serves as a ride leader for Cycle Sisters, the Muslim women’s cycling organisation that encourages greater participation in cycling and outdoor activity. Her achievements have made her an influential advocate for health, wellbeing and women’s participation in sport.
The Community Impact Award was presented to An Noor Cultural & Community Centre (ACCC Trust), with the award accepted by its director, Kalim Reid. The trust was recognised for its contribution to community cohesion, cultural engagement and grassroots support, reflecting its growing role as a hub for local residents and community-led initiatives.
Environmental specialist Dr Saeed Oluwadipe received a Special Recognition Award for more than 15 years of work in sustainability, environmental management, waste reduction and recycling. His work has contributed to advancing environmental responsibility and sustainable practice within both professional and community settings.
The evening’s most prestigious honour, the Malik El Shabazz Award,widely known as Malcolm X, the award carries particular historical and cultural significance, awarded to Romain Muhammad, an Aziz Foundation scholar, leadership coach and inclusion specialist whose work focuses on identity, confidence and organisational culture. Through his consultancy, Room to Lead™, Muhammad supports individuals and institutions in creating environments where people feel empowered to thrive and lead with purpose.
Accepting the award, he reflected on its significance: “To be recognised and honoured with an award that carries the name of a giant like that is no small thing to me.”
While the awards celebrated individual recipients, the wider significance of the event lay in what it represented collectively. In public discourse, Black Muslim communities are frequently discussed through the lens of social challenges, inequality or political debate. Events such as the Black Muslim Awards serve as a reminder that those narratives, while important, are only part of a much larger story.
That story includes artists preserving cultural traditions, entrepreneurs building businesses, campaigners driving social change and everyday community leaders whose work often goes unseen.
“Every year, we are honoured to shine a light on individuals and organisations whose work uplifts communities, inspires others and creates lasting positive change.” Marian Abdullah -Director AACMA
For the organisers, the mission remains straightforward: to ensure that Black Muslim excellence is not only celebrated within the community, but recognised as an integral part of Britain’s social, cultural and civic life.
For more information Black Muslim Awards Website: aacmuslim.co.uk
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