Skip to content

'Trailblazer' Naomi Campbell honoured by Homerton College

David Johnson Naomi Campbell and Homerton PrincipalDavid Johnson
Naomi Campbell was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by Lord Simon Woolley, principal of Homerton College, Cambridge

Naomi Campbell has been honoured by a Cambridge college for her work as a trailblazer for black models in fashion.

The supermodel addressed students at Homerton College on Wednesday as part of a gala dinner to mark Black History Month.

Ms Campbell was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the college principal, Lord Simon Woolley.

She told students: "Master your craft and the world will become your runway".

Lord Woolley said: "If you want people to be leaders and heads of institutions aspiring to be the very best then you need to show them that, this is what it looks like.

"These are the people that are doing that."

Nadia Gyane/BBC Students in a hallNadia Gyane/BBC
Maame Opong-Agyare said she felt honoured to be in the presence of such a world icon

Maame Opong-Agyare, the vice-president of the Cambridge African Caribbean Society (ACS) said: As a black woman I think it's so important that she is internationally recognised and is able to come and be in our presence. It's really exciting for my community to see that.

"She has accomplished so much, the fact she's given up her time to be with us, I'm just honoured and excited."

Nadia Gyane/BBC Students in a hallNadia Gyane/BBC
Students heard Naomi Campbell give a motivational speech as part of the "Celebrating Our Sisters" event

Michael Lawson-Falomo, president of the Cambridge ACS, said Black History Month for him "represents progress and it represents change".

"Black History isn't just one month, it is world history - but it's important to highlight all our changes and all our progress," he said.

"We pull together loads of different generations, older people who have made foundational change and younger people who want to be the change and be change makers."

Nadia Gyane/BBC Man in suitNadia Gyane/BBC
Michael Lawson-Falomo said nights like these inspires the next generation to become change makers

Chike Pilgrim, who is studying for a PHD in archaeology, said he was there to celebrate the diversity of black and African communities and said: "I think its special to come together in these spaces where we are underrepresented."

Nadia Gyane/BBC Man in suitNadia Gyane/BBC
Chike Pilgrim felt happy to be in a space honouring black achievement and black excellence

Commenting on the award, Naomi Campbell said: "Thank you, for affording me this honour tonight, and thank you, Lord Simon Woolley for your unwavering support of these extraordinary young men and women.

"Together, you are a force to be reckoned with, and there is no limit to what you can achieve."

David Johnson Students at diner hallDavid Johnson
Ms Campbell addressed students at Homerton College and received a lifetime achievement award
presentational grey line

Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 0800 169 1830