DESCENDANTS
Every year we ask ourselves, “Can this event possibly get any better?” And every year, especially this year, the answer is a resounding yes!
Held at the beautiful DoubleTree Hilton London Ealing, the 20th Annual Descendants Dr John Roberts QC CBE Achievement Awards was a truly inspiring evening, celebrating the brilliance, creativity, and determination of young people of African and Caribbean heritage across Ealing. It was a night filled with joy, pride, and recognition as students, their families, teachers, and distinguished guests came together to honour excellence throughout the borough.
🏆 Award Categories
The Descendants Achievement Awards is a prestigious annual event celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of pupils of African and Caribbean descent in primary (Years 5 & 6), secondary (Years 7–13), college, and special educational needs schools across Ealing.
This year, students were recognised in the following categories:
Excels in All areas of education
Excels in Sports
Excels in Arts
Excels in STEM
Entrepreneurial qualities
Works hard and achieves against all odds
Congratulations to Fenna Opara a Year 12 student who attends William Perkin CofE High School. He won the Excellence in STEM award and was the Overall Outstanding Winner of the 20th Descendants, Dr John Roberts QC CBE Award. Fenna's nomination impressed all the judges.
These awards honour more than just academic excellence, they spotlight resilience, passion, creativity, and leadership in all forms. The stories behind the achievements were moving and powerful, showing that with hard work and dedication, the sky truly is the limit.
The ceremony, held each July, is named in honour of the late Dr John Roberts QC CBE, the first Black Queen’s Counsel in the UK. It provides a vital platform for celebrating excellence and inspiring future generations to be proud of their heritage.
A Special Recognition
Although The Rt Hon. the Lord Boateng was unable to attend the ceremony in person, he sent a heartfelt message and a truly memorable gift. The winner of his dedicated award received a personal invitation to tea with Lord Boateng for themselves and their family, a remarkable honour that speaks to the significance of the occasion and the importance of uplifting future leader
Special Guests & Speakers
This year’s ceremony was made even more memorable by our incredible guests and keynote speakers. Special thanks to:
Tim Campbell MBE – Business leader and investor
Tony and James Roberts – Descendants of Dr John Roberts
Jak Beula – Entrepreneur, activist, and Descendants Trustee
Cllr Faduma Mohamed – Deputy Mayor of Ealing
Peter Mason – Head of Ealing Council
Marcella Phelan MBE – Trustee at Brentford FC CST
Dr Rupa Huq – MP for Ealing Central and Acton
Sarah Thompson – School Partnerships Lead, LB Ealing
Cllr Varlene Alexander – Greenford Broadway Ward
Cllr Grace Quansah – Walpole Ward
Kunle Babinson – Past winner, musician and law graduate
Camara Spence – Descendants Trustee and youth mentor
Mary McQueen – Mother of Sir Steve McQueen
Judy Wellington – Entrepreneur and Owner, Learn UK Ltd
Careeta Robert-Green (Compeer) – Executive leadership coach (Born with a gift)
💖 Thank You to Our Sponsors
A special thank you to our generous sponsors, whose support has not only helped bring this incredible evening to life, but also enabled us to raise funds for our next educational trip. Your contributions help open doors and expand horizons for the very young people we honour tonight. We are truly grateful.
Community Appreciation
A heartfelt thank you to all schools across the borough that submitted nominations, and to every parent, guardian, and teacher who continues to uplift our young people.
To the Descendants Committee, led by Founder and Director Margaret Noel, your dedication and vision continue to make this event shine year after year.
Margaret’s own words say it best:
“Every year, as always, the nominees are exceptional! It is mind-blowing to see the wealth of young talent we have within the African and Caribbean community, living within the Borough... These are the stories that need to be shared, not only to celebrate these young achievers but also to motivate others to see the sheer potential of young people: our future leaders, doctors, scientists, accountants, record-breaking athletes, inspiring poets, painters, teachers, pilots, artists and activists.”
Looking Ahead
As we mark 20 years of excellence, we continue to be inspired by the talent, energy, and heart of our young people. Here’s to even greater things in the years to come. Congratulations again to all our incredible nominees and winners.........You make us proud.