THE FOUNDER of social enterprise 1000 Black Boys is calling on businesses to make good their pledge of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Ademola Adeyeba believes that business, not government, could be the bastion of change for the black community in the UK.

Outcry

As the  public outcry at the killing of George Floyd grew across the world, several high profile companies in a range of industries  issued statements expressing support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

However some campaigners have accused famous brands  of hypocrisy, openly questioning whether they support the cause of anti-racism or are just trying to raise their profile. 

Adeyeba, who launched 1000 Black Boys in 2018, following a spate of young black boys being killed, high levels of school exclusion, and a rising black prison population, said: “We know the focus will soon shift to another issue, and unfortunately, we know we cannot rely on this government to drive this agenda. 

“Attempts at handling the Windrush scandal, Grenfell and the lack of impact from the numerous reports and public enquiries on race, have been found wanting.

“There is a compelling business case for a more inclusive society and workforce. If half of the businesses that showed solidarity on #BlackOutTuesday delivered meaningful action through funding community programmes, providing mentorships, creating job opportunities to empower young black men and women, this would result in significant progress.”

With a recession looming, 1000 Black Boys believe economic empowerment is a key feature of the Black Lives Matter movement, further reason why businesses are pivotal to ensuring progress.

Adeyeba was speaking ahead of an event this Friday and Saturday (26 – 27 June), in which the social enterprise will host a free online webinar featuring speakers, coaches and mentors, who are passionate about engaging young black boys and men and their parents. 

Among the speakers are Tre Lowe of MOBO nominated Garage act The Architechs, who had a Top 3 hit with the song Body Groove.

Violence

 Having lost friends to youth violence, Tre is now a property investor and coach, inspiring young entrepreneurs.

Also speaking at the event is Elaine Cunningham-Walker, CEO of education consultancy Everythings Education. She has helped more than 4,000 parents secure places for their children in top schools and universities, and advises schools on their anti-racism policies and Katrina Thomas, founder of UDA – Be Unique, Dream Big, Stay Ambitious. 

Failing

Peckham born and raised, Katrina’s son suffers from ADHD. As a young mum, she quickly realised the school system was failing her son, and through detentions and regular isolation, it was inadvertently preparing her son for a life in prison. Through dance and other creative channels, Katrina’s son and many boys she works with, are now flourishing in school, and life broadly

There is a compelling business case for a more inclusive society and workforce. If half of the businesses that showed solidarity on #BlackOutTuesday delivered meaningful action through funding community programmes, providing mentorships, creating job opportunities to empower young black men and women, this would result in significant progress.

Ademola Adeyeba 

The workshops will cover a range of current topics, including support for those about to be excluded, how to deal with police stop and search and racism in the workplace.

Adeyeba said: “We have an opportunity to impact a whole generation of young black men, who for too long have been negatively characterised. Through my experience of mentoring black boys, I have seen first-hand the reality of their potential to step into their power and succeed in business.

Tragic events

“Just like the environmental protests of last year, recent tragic events have awoken a whole generation of young people standing for something new.

“Recent events have also released a lot of anger and grief, which the black community has felt for centuries. It is really important now to take that anger and convert it to clarity and power, which can bring about real transformation, not just for black people but for the entire world.

“Through this event we hope to provide access to mentors and role models who have been successful in business. People that young black men can relate to and receive guidance from on their journey.”

Impact

“We have seen the impact of the pandemic on black and minority ethnic communities, and so we want to empower as many people as possible now ahead of any second potential wave and looming recession.”

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