BLM

BLACK LIVES MATTER

words: Frieda Wignall photo: Tom Morley

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 antiracism is not a throwaway trend. More than two years 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 or call 0115 964 8227

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 selfidentifying 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

Nottingham Together

This is a website that has been put together to help people respond to prejudice and hate crimes, aiming to change attitudes through talking and listening. It provides helpful resources and advice, in the form of workshops, exercise documents and YouTube videos.

nottinghamtogether.com

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 Mimm

Offering more than just menswear, Mimm is a cultural hub where those passionate about fashion, music and art can come together to celebrate black talent and create a sense of community. They’ve been at it for a decade, and they’re not slowing down any time soon.

mimm.co.uk

SHEAfriq

A Nottingham-based collective of creative females of black heritage, founded in order to create a space for Black womxn's work and narratives in Nottingham's creative scene. 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. All Black Connect is its young people’s collective.

nae.org.uk

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 their Facebook page for info on current events and protests in Nottingham, as well as nationwide news.

facebook.com/ BlackLivesMatterNottinghamActivists

Himmah

A grassroots charity providing services to tackle poverty, racism and social exclusion. The Himmah food bank delivers 650 food parcels a month and its People’s Pantry enables residents to purchase quality food at a discounted price.

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

UoN’s Black and Minority Ethnic Student Network runs events and campaigns throughout the year, and NTU’s Black Futures continues the work that goes into celebrating and reflecting on black culture during Black History Month.

bme-network@uonsu.com trentstudents.org/your-union/blackfutures