CORNWALL’S leading charity for Black and ethnic minority people has appointed Joyte Brown as its new chief executive officer (CEO).

Joyte is a founding officer with Black Voices Cornwall (BVC) and has worked as its Communities and Partnerships lead since its launch in August 2020. She replaces founding CEO Marcus Alleyne, who stepped down after five years in the role to pursue his directorship with national organisation Rock Choir.

BVC is widely regarded as the leading anti-racist organisation in Cornwall, delivering a broad range of projects and services including peer support, advocacy and signposting for people experiencing racial discrimination, lobbying for racial justice, hosting cultural events and combatting systemic racism through education and training.

As well as managing several community and research projects and focusing on business development initiatives, Joyte has been instrumental in developing the charity’s new strategy, which will take effect from 2026 and will focus on enabling Cornwall’s Black communities to thrive personally and to succeed economically.

Joyte said: “I’m honoured to be in a position to continue building on the important work that BVC has done this far, and I am excited to lead the organisation as it enters a new phase of activism.

“The project of building resilience in racialised communities is essential in the face of increased social and political tensions, and I am grateful to have the trust of my colleagues and the ethnically diverse community to deliver on our promise to work in service of Black and minoritised people in Cornwall.”

“Joyte brings a deep commitment to racial equality, exceptional leadership instincts, and a rare ability to listen, unite, and empower,” said Marcus. “Her experience, insight and grounded presence make her uniquely positioned to lead BVC into its next chapter. I have every faith in her vision, her values, and her ability to carry forward this important work with integrity and strength.”