One of my favourite programmes growing up, was Diff'rent Strokes. A very funny American sitcom featuring two black American boys from Harlem, who were taken on by a rich white businessman and his daughter.
Well ahead of its time, demonstrating and showcasing inclusion. Not just from a race, but also social mobility perspective. The programme was immensely successful and entertaining, however, not very popular amongst white supremacists who sent death threats to the lead white actor!
Interestingly, I don’t think a similar programme would be produced now, which seems crazy given that the programme not only platformed different social and racial classes, but showcased all the fun and funny aspects of our different lives.
In a colourful world filled with hundreds of cultures, beliefs, and traditions, there’s an exquisite tapestry of human diversity. Imagine if we only had one ice cream flavour or one flower in a garden. Diversity is the spice of life, and celebrating it isn’t just fun, it’s essential.
If we all looked, acted and thought the same, it would be like a never-ending rerun of the same TV show. But when we embrace our differences, we create a vibrant mosaic of ideas and experiences.
How can we recognise and celebrate this incredible diversity? Enter the glitter, glitz, and gold trophies of the awards stage! Awards focusing on diversity not only honour achievements but also give a big high-five to fresh perspectives and backgrounds.
Take the example of our Annual ABC Awards that recognise individuals and organisations from across all sectors who have made outstanding contributions to fostering diversity and inclusion. These trophies aren’t just good-looking but represent progress toward understanding, acceptance, and celebration of our differences.
Celebrating diversity is also about nurturing an environment where everyone always feels welcome. It’s about laughing at our own stereotypes and understanding that our neighbour’s favourite dish might seem weird but tastes amazing.
Inclusion means creating opportunities for all and acknowledging that diverse perspectives bring innovation, creativity, and teamwork to make even superheroes envious.
Talking about superheroes, we now see them in all colours and genders with even more diverse casts. From lead characters to behind-thescenes geniuses, the entertainment world is embracing diversity. Awards such as the Oscars have expanded to recognise talents from various backgrounds, setting an example for others to follow.
(And if they are looking for an Asian Geordie James Bond, then they need look no further than the Geordie Shah himself!)
ABC has been on a mission to turn the celebration of diversity into a party, where everyone’s invited. Let’s share our cultures, our stories, and our quirky family traditions.
Through awards, workshops and cultural festivals, ABC has been promoting understanding to make sure that everyone feels included. Diversity is like the lead singer of a rock band – the star of the show. And just like any rock star, it needs its fans (that’s us!) to cheer, support, and recognise it.
By celebrating diversity through awards and promoting inclusion, we’re not just being politically correct or ticking boxes; we’re enriching our lives, adding flavours to our experiences, and painting our world in technicolour.
So, go ahead and high-five someone through nominating them for an ABC Award today. Bring your own paddle to our inclusive party on the 19th October at the Gosforth Park Hotel and we will make sure there is a different stroke for each of you folk so we can plough ahead together.
Ammar Mirza CBE is Chair & Founder of Asian Business Connexions, Chair of the NELEP Business Growth Board, Honorary Colonel of 101 Regiment RA and holds various positions across the public and private sectors.