The NARM resources will highlight British African* male role models from 1907 to 2007, and demonstrate that there are countless notable and aspirational role models of African descent in various fields and disciplines – i) the Sciences/Academia, ii) Politics/Legal, iii) Entrepreneurship/Business, iv) Arts/Entertainment/Sports, and v) Faith/Community/Voluntary Sector.

The focus is not on a power list or on celebrities, but on those whose achievement has had a positive impact on the community. For example, a person might be highlighted not simply because he is the first African to achieve in a particular endeavour (which is good), but because of what he did in giving back to the community.

NARM aims to engage the community in order to discover unsung heroes (as opposed to the ‘usual suspects’ particularly in the fields of sports and entertainment) deserving of being recognised as role models because of what they have achieved and their engagement with, or input into, the British African community.

The end result of the NARM project will be a booklet and DVD that highlights at least 30 Top Role Models drawn from the disciples above. Their community engagement, as highlighted in criterion (6) will be an important part of the ranking methodology. It is hoped that this may produce a more level playing field for ‘ordinary people’ to have a chance, as opposed to ‘well-known people’. There will also be subsidiary lists to highlight most of the nominees.

Nominations can only be made at www.btwsc.com/NARM, where all the NARM resources will be posted.


Rules
1. Nominations can be made by anyone irrespective of race, gender or age.

2. *British African means a person of African descent who is either born in Britain, or born in the British Commonwealth, who is or was resident in Britain during the relevant period.

3. Nominees must be African males who are British or have spent a pivotal time in the UK. Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King are great role models, but not eligible for NARM.

4. NARM is a heritage project, and the achievement(s) must have started, or be, at least ten years old. Hamilton Lewis’ 2008 Formula 1 win will not be eligible, though his achievements at least 10 years prior may be eligible.

5. Nominations should indicate what the person has done. It could be that he has opened the door for others, or shown others that Africans can excel in a particular field. Being the first African in a field by itself may not be a strong enough reason. However this may be strengthened if he scores well in (6).

6. We are especially interested in nominees whose achievements or positions have been of benefit to the community. For example a renowned surgeon who actively encourages young people to consider medicine as a career, or a noted entrepreneur who is involved in community projects aimed at entrepreneurialship, or other forms of empowerment.

7. Those making the nominations are also required to give as much information, and any leads or resources, which the organisers can use in order to a) create a comprehensive background for ranking the nominee, and b) contact living nominees for further information, clarification, or video interviews.

8. Nominations are welcome from individuals, or groups, such as families, school class, youth project/centre, etc.

9. Contact details are optional. However, there will be a prize draw in May 2009 for those that add their contact details.

10. Multiple nominations are allowed.