For her work to promote black history month, as well as her long-standing commitment to resident advocacy, Monica Barnes has been nominated as a Croydon community champion.

She is the vice-chairman of the residents’ council of Amicus Horizon, a Croydon-based housing association that has tenants across London, Kent and Sussex.

Ms Barnes, 72, said: “I have been a resident of Amicus for more than 30 years. On the residents’ council we work in partnership with staff to champion the cause of residents and have an input in Amicus policies.

“I represent residents across the region. We have had an input into anti-social behaviour policies and complaints processes, helping shape and form those policies.”

On top of her advocacy work, Ms Barnes has also been involved in awareness events in Croydon, including a celebration of International Women’s Day.

On Saturday, more than 100 people gathered at Croydon Conference Centre to celebrate black history month for an event organised by Amicus.

Ms Barnes was the star speaker.

She added: “I was part of a steering group to help plan the black history event and I was asked to give a speech to say what it meant to me. I don’t think we as black people appreciate some of the wider contributions we have made.

“We need to recognise, embrace and celebrate it. This event gave a forum to highlight achievements black people have made, drawing from my experience coming to this country as a 10-year-old and changes I have seen.

“It’s making people aware of the obstacles and the steps to overcome them. If we put our heads and our hearts towards it, nothing is impossible.”