Black History Month grant scheme set to ‘inspire and inform’
KENSINGTON and Chelsea has launched a new scheme providing financial support to projects celebrating the life and achievements of British Afro-Caribbeans in the borough.
The scheme will see Kensington’s cultural enthusiasts able to bid for up to £500 to host events or activities in the upcoming October Black History Month.
The first-time scheme comes after months of global Black Lives Matter protests following the killing of George Floyd in the USA. Successful bids will be chosen by the Kensington community, with up to £15,000 worth of funding available.
Councillor Emma Will, lead member for culture, leisure and community safety, said: “It’s important to recognise the diverse cultural makeup of our community daily and especially to take time to celebrate our rich heritage during Black History Month. These grants will support activities led by local people to recognise, inspire and inform our community.
“It’s an exciting new project for us,
Kensington and Chelsea has always been a must visit location and by supporting local venues and activities we can continue to use culture to help the community recover from the coronavirus pandemic.”
Community organisations have until September 1 to apply to receive the grant or alternatively they can apply online or in person during Black History Month ending on October 31.
Black History Month is a globally recognised month-long event remembering notable people and events in the history of black people. In the UK this observance is celebrated in October whilst USA and Canada celebrate in February.
Kensington and Chelsea is an area with rich black history dating back to the 1950s Notting Hill race riots, involving newly immigrated Caribbeans from the Empire Windrush.
Additionally, the iconic Notting Hill Carnival, a precursor of the Caribbean Carnival arranged to give Black people a voice in the UK.
Local people who wish to be a part of the grant assessment panel can apply via the council’s website.