They’re calling it a community ‘Oscar’ – but although that’s a slight exaggeration there’s no doubt that the accolade Mila Brown received for her voluntary work has caused a sensation.

Working for unity in her community led to an unexpected windfall for Mila, a remarkable woman who has been teaching the art of living together as a hobby for twenty years!

Scotland’s only dyslexic mixed race writer who performs issues to do with alienation, integration, and racism scooped “The One Award” for cultural integration….plus a cheque for £5,000!

Mila receives her cheque flanked (from left) by Stewart McCulloch and John Taylor of Connelly Security Systems.

Mila, who hails from Cowcaddens in Glasgow has two grown up sons received the accolade at a glittering ceremony – the highlight of Crimestoppers Scotland’s dinner and ball at the Crowne Plaza, Glasgow on Friday evening in the presence of Deputy Justice Minister Ms Johann Lamont MSP and VIPs of many nationalities.

The cheque from Connelly Security Systems of Balmore Industrial Estate plus the sparkling crystal trophy-on-stand was presented to her by CSS executive, Mr John Taylor, who said: “The judges felt Mila personified the spirit of Scotland as a country of tolerant and helpful citizens who embody all the cultures that enrich our proud nation and serve to show that although Scotland is now home to folk of many different backgrounds and religions our hearts beat as one.”

Neilston and District Pipe Band

More than 250 people had gathered at the hotel on Glasgow’s waterfront to celebrate those groups of ‘new Scots’ – of varying faiths and ethnic origin – who champion the belief that it is possible to live together in harmony embracing the beauty of Scotland as one nation, many cultures.

The inaugural Crimestoppers Scotland ‘Talk2…One Scotland’ dance 2007 sponsored by One Scotland, The Royal Bank of Scotland, Connelly Security Systems featured Bill Smith’s Clyde 2 Roadshow and helped raise in excess of £15,000 for the only charity helping to solve crime.

It was curtain up on a star cabaret with Pan African Arts and Neilston and District Pipe Band opening the evening.

This was followed by a taste of the orient – Garnethill style – from the Glasgow Oriental Dancing Association.

These talented young people from Garnethill including Chinese and local children articipated with distinction in the 2006 Beijing Wangfujing Street International Youth Festival.

The Chinese dancers performing

The Rockettes, the UK’s top Pro-Sports Dance Team who support Scotland’s only Pro-Basketball team “The Scottish Rocks” wowed the audience with a dazzling pom-pom wielding stage routine.

Maestro with the mic was none other than South West Sound’s breakfast shows host Tommy Jardine who conducted the auction as master of ceremonies at the glitzy annual fund raiser.

Chairman of Crimestoppers Scotland, Stewart McCulloch, also saluted Mila’s ‘milestone’ which he said had been achieved through her passionate contribution to the well being of communities over 20 years.

And he added: “At Crimestoppers Scotland, we share a passion for inclusion and what we can do for people. No matter who you are or where you live, nurturing understanding and a feeling of togetherness can make a positive difference to your life often enabling you to achieve more and have more fun.”

The prize is intended to reward a person or organisation which furthered the integration of one or more nationalities within a Scottish community and attracted Scotland-wide high-calibre entries.

Glasgow Oriental Dancing Association

Mila (short for Jamila) founded Definitely Inspired Arts in 2003 and has been investigating, developing and generating arts and confidence building and community projects for the past two decades.

She has worked as a creative writing facilitator in secure units in psychiatric hospitals, with mental health organisations, homeless people and in various hidden groups including ethnic and women’s groups.

Mila just loves working on the instigation and the creation of arts based projects and events, celebrating diversity and showcasing emerging talents so it’s not surprising that her passion led to this accolade, say admirers.

The Rockettes

Relaxing at home later Mila said: “It’s amazing – my friends and neighbours are calling this a community Oscar which illustrates how big a triumph they believe this is. Frankly, I’m overtwhelmed.”

And she added: “From all the people that I have worked with, and all the people I will go on to work with, I thank you very much! The team at crimestoppers have made a very powerful contribution in their own way to assist genuine community integration, as opposed to very short term tokenistic gestures...”

More on the Dinner & Ball 2007 here