There is a range of groups working to help the black British community. As mentioned in my black-owned businesses post, how we spend our money speaks volumes. If we were to intentionally support businesses/organisations/ charities helping the black community, this could really make a difference.
I’ve put together of 9 Black British Organisations/ Charities helping the black community:
1. Urban Synergy
I cannot speak highly enough of Urban Synergy. They are South-east London based award-winning early-intervention charity dedicated to providing opportunities for young people to build their careers. They carry out their work through mentors, career workshops, work experience, and more.
During my secondary school years, through Urban Synergy I was mentored by a black female journalist, Cynthia Lawrence. As an aspiring writer, this played a significant role in where I am today. Having a black female writer as a role model was even more empowering.
Through my mentor, I got work experience at The Voice Newspaper.
Urban Synergy also allowed me to enter spaces like the Thomson Reuter headquarters.
Urban Synergy is founded by the brilliant Leila Thomas, who is passionate about young people’s success, and specifically black children in Lewisham.
The Downing Street approved charity has stood the test of time in creating opportunities and hope for black youths.
COVID19 has particularly affected Urban Synergy as well as other charities. So, Urban Synergy has launched a 2.6 Challenge Fundraiser to help them during this time.
You can also donate directly to Urban Synergy here: https://www.urbansynergy.com/donate/
2. Kwanda Helping The Black Community
Kwanda is a group pot for those who want to build empowering systems for black communities.
It operates through monthly pledges from its members to the Kwanda pot. This all goes to different projects that support the black community. You can join here: https://kwanda.co/
3. Power The Fight
Power The Fight is a charity founded by Pastor Ben Lindsey providing training, resources, and connections to help equip those in the community to better understand the issue of youth violence.
They also have a YouTube channel hosting discussions addressing ways to help young people.
Ben Lindsey is also the author of We Need To Talk About Race. This book discusses race relations in white-majority churches.
4. The Black Curriculum Helping The Black Community
The Black Curriculum is a social enterprise addressing the lack of Black British history in the UK Curriculum.
They work to change this by delivering arts-focused Black history programmes, providing teacher training and campaigning through mobilising young people. Their programmes are for young people aged 8-16 and are working towards changing the national curriculum in the UK.
5. Black Minds Matter Helping The Black Community
Black Minds Matter is an organisation helping to make mental health topics relevant and accessible to all black people in the UK.
They do this by connecting black individuals to professional mental health services across the UK.
Black Minds Matter have also created a fund to go towards covering the cost of any services that black individuals feel they may benefit from.
You can support Black Minds Matter here: https://www.blackmindsmatteruk.com/donate
6. Manhood Academy Global
The Manhood Academy Global has a vision to ‘build responsible leaders of tomorrow for the world of today’. You can donate to their cause here: https://www.manhoodacademyglobal.com/#donate
7. Stopwatch UK
Black people are 40 times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people in the UK.
Stopwatch UK is an organisation working to promote effective, accountable, and fair policing in Britain. They do this by sharing research on stop and search alternatives, providing legal support challenging stop and search, and more. You can support Stopwatch UK here: http://www.stop-watch.org/about-us/donate
I hope these organisations and charities helping the black community gives you an idea of how to be intentional with investments.
Stay Safe and Support The Cause.
