We run through some of the most important support networks, arts organisations and community groups dedicated to ensuring social justice and equality in Nottingham and beyond...
Nottingham is now one of the most diverse cities outside of London, with a BAME population of 35% recorded in the 2011 Census, a figure likely to rise once the 2021 Census is published. Over the years, generations of black excellence have left their mark on this city – and their legacies are invaluable.
Nevertheless, the stark reality of structural racism remains embedded in health, education, policing, politics and beyond - both locally and across the UK. True anti-racism is not a throwaway trend. More than a year since George Floyd’s murder reignited a global movement, the work must continue. Here are some resources, groups and organisations committed to nurturing black dignity, joy and achievement in the city. Black Lives Matter, always.
Support
Communities Inc
Non-profit organisation tackling hate crime in the city.
communitiesinc.org.uk
FlyGirl
A local platform launched in 2020 to connect and empower women of colour. Provides mentoring, practical business advice, financial guidance and access to funding for individuals forging careers in creative industries. Open to all self-identifying women as an inclusive space to grow and amplify each other’s voices.
fly-girl.co.uk
BAME Counselling Hub
Notts Counselling Centre is committed to remedying the inequality of access to and racial ignorance of mainstream counselling services. The BAME Hub provides culturally sensitive listening ears without prejudice or judgement.
nottinghamcounsellingcentre.org.uk
Arts
Community Recording Studio
Established in 1991, the Community Recording Studio is based in St Anns. The charity offers training in film, video and music as well as providing access to studio space, professional equipment and key industry contacts - including musicians like Estelle and Aloe Blacc.
crsstudionotts.co.uk
SHEAfriq
A Nottingham-based collective of creative females of black heritage. Organised the Nottingham African Market in 2020.
@sheafriq
The New Art Exchange
Entry is free to the largest art gallery in the UK dedicated exclusively to displaying culturally diverse artists. The NAE welcomes 80,000 visitors annually to its funky building in the heart of Hyson Green and seeks to make art and culture accessible to all. Past NAE exhibitions have focused on themes of identity, migration and religion, with an upcoming exhibition on BLM. All Black Connect is its young people’s collective.
nae.org.uk
Black Friends
A creative platform that aims to facilitate frank conversations about race. Hosts talkshows, panel discussions and The Black Friends Podcast, which frequently covers local black history (including a recent episode on the 1958 St Ann’s race riots).
blackfriendsHQ
Step up: community + activism
Black Lives Matter UK – Nottingham Activists
Established in 2015, the Nottingham branch was one of the first official BLM groups in Europe. Follow the Facebook page for info on current events and protests in Nottingham, as well as nationwide news.
blacklivesmatternottinghamactivists
Next Gen Movement
After organising the June 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstration in Nottingham attended by over 4000 people, friends Shan Vincent, Tyla Henrique-White and Janelle Brown founded Next Gen. This youth-led movement has lobbied key power players in the city for institutional change centred around their 4Es: Education, Engagement, Empowerment and Employment.
nextgenmovement.co.uk
Himmah
A grassroots charity providing services to tackle poverty, racism and social exclusion. The Himmah foodbank delivers 650 food parcels a month and its People’s Pantry enables residents to purchase quality food at a discounted price. In 2021, Himmah’s work became nationally acclaimed after receiving a £10,000 donation from Meghan Markle.
himmah.co.uk
Kairos
A support group for black lesbian and bisexual women seeking refuge from homophobic persecution. Kairos guide individuals through the asylum application process.
lisg.nottingham@gmail.com
Mojatu Foundation
Mojatu is a Swahili word which loosely translates to ‘togetherness’. The Foundation has assisted and empowered black women and girls on health-related issues, notably FGM, since 2009. Mojatu has a truly impressive reputation within the communities it serves, but also nationally and even internationally. Always welcoming new recruits and volunteers.
mojatufoundation.org
The Pythian Club
Mentoring and engaging young people through the power of sport in the inner city, Pythian’s mission is to combat racial and socioeconomic marginalisation so that all kids in Nottingham can have a fair and dignified start to life. Inspirational Young Leaders are a key part of the Pythian set-up.
thepythianclub.co.uk
Join a group at your university students’ union
NTU’s The New Black society focuses on helping students progress in the face of adversity, while UoN’s Black and Minority Ethnic Student Network runs events and campaigns throughout the year.
@TheNewBlackNtu
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
