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BLACK COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN Black businesses get major cash boost
A year of action
A lot has changed since the landmark launch of the Brent Black Community Action Plan (BCAP), a year ago.
The 10-year plan is committed to tackling inequality by investing long-term in the community and local black leaders.
A Community Reference Group and Youth Advisory Group have been created to deliver the plan and give young people a voice to help shape it.
The council has pledged £2.5m to help businesses thrive post-pandemic, including black businesses. This includes digital skills training, equipment grants and a new scheme to encourage young Black-led start-ups. 23 year old Sancia, from Wembley, who sits on the Youth Advisory Group, said, “I wanted to be a part of the process of addressing inequalities and making a difference within Brent’s black communities.”
Cllr McLennan, Brent Council’s Deputy Leader, said, “The unequal impact of COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement highlighted the urgency of creating a fairer, more level playing field. That is why, one year ago, we joined forces with local residents and community leaders to look at the lives and experiences of Brent’s Black African and Caribbean residents.”
In addition, the council’s internal processes are also changing, new rules will ensure the council’s spending power positively affects Brent’s black communities and staff have been given a platform to promote race equality.
Abdi Farah, Director of Connect Stars, said, “While we have come a long way, this is a marathon and not a sprint. There is still lots of work to be done, and we will only achieve this by keeping up the momentum and working together as a community.”
To learn more and get involved, visit www.brent.gov.uk/BCAP
Cllr McLennan, Brent Council’s Deputy Leader
£2m has been given to local initiatives focusing on youth engagement, employment, culture and health improvement
