A Torbay Councillor has been shortlisted for two community awards which celebrate diversity.

Councillor Jermaine Atiya-Alla, who is ward councillor for Ellacombe ward and also heads up the Torbay Racism Review, has been shortlisted for both the Paul Stephenson Unsung Hero Award and the Mukhtiyar Singh Community Champion Award in the MTM Awards.

MTM stands for Mast The Magazine, which was launched as the supplement of Radio Mast FM in 2009 to further bridge the South Asian Communities in the South West of England. MTM aims to inspire communities, bridge cultures, and celebrate diversity.

Cllr Atiya-Alla, who was Torbay’s first Black elected member, has been shortlisted for his work on the Torbay Racism Review and his ongoing work to support his local community. He was nominated by a member of the public.

The Torbay Racism Review was launched in September 2020 following protests which started around the world in May 2020 after George Floyd died at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, USA, including mass demonstrations in London and Bristol. During that time the Review Panel has spoken to representatives from a range of organisations from the local NHS and police to local businesses and schools and voluntary groups.

Cllr Atiya-Alla said: “I am really pleased to be nominated for not only one but two awards.

“I am really honoured to serve my community of Ellacombe for the last two years and I have been involved in various projects in the ward.

“To be nominated for the regional diversity awards for mine and the panel’s work on racism shows that Torbay is now being recognised on a regional platform in creating positive change with equality and diversity.

“This nomination is for the people who believe change is needed, and I urge you to vote.”

Deputy Leader of Torbay Council Darren Cowell said: “We are delighted that Cllr Atiya-Alla has been shortlisted for these awards and I would like to thank him and the rest of the Torbay Racism Review Panel for all their work so far. This once again demonstrates that Torbay is becoming a major player in terms of equality and diversity in the South West region.”

You can watch a video where Cllr Atiya-Alla talks about the Torbay Racism Review to Torquay Museum Director Basil Greenwood as part of Black History Month in 2020 here. 

Voting is now open on the MTM Awards and you can find out more here.