Truro-based charity Black Voices Cornwall has been awarded almost £330,000 by the National Lottery Community Fund to deliver the Innovate, Elevate and Empower Cornwall (IEEC) Project over the next three to five years. 

The news was revealed at an evening reception the Hall for Cornwall last Wednesday.

Known in Cornish as Levow du Kernow, Black Voices Cornwall was founded in 2020 following the death of George Floyd on May 25. 

It aims is “reduce social isolation and improve inclusion, equality and integration across Cornwall”, and its ambition is to transform the Duchy into an actively anti-racist region by 2035 through communication, education, training and events.

Future free outreach events include an anniversary memorial service for George Floyd at Truro Cathedral on May 25; a Party on the Quay on July 8, and a Celebration of Culture on Lemon Quay on August 5, with an emphasis on ensuring that ethnically diverse performers feel represented and welcome in Cornwall. 

Marcus Alleyne, chief executive of Black Voices Cornwall, described the funding as “a historic moment for Cornwall”, especially in the light of recent Devon & Cornwall police statistics stating that 53 per cent of all reported hate crime is racism. 

“Three years in, we have received a significant amount of funding to make Cornwall more equitable,” he said. “Someone somewhere has seen that what we are doing is good.

“We believe our Duchy deserves the very best opportunities for our children, businesses and individuals. 

“The National Lottery’s Community Fund commitment demonstrates an understanding of the very real challenges that rural communities face, and allows us to deliver to our full potential for the community. Thank you for believing in us and investing in Cornwall’s ethos of Onen Hag Oll – one and all.”

The award-winning charity sits on several boards for Duchy-wide inclusivity projects, working with the local government as well as in partnership with Cornwall Pride, Devon & Cornwall Police, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, St Petroc’s, Women’s Aid and more. 

Trustees, partners, volunteers and third-sector colleagues were present to hear the news and watch a short film, To Whom Does This Belong?, by Museum X CIC in partnership with the Black British History Museum and Cornwall Museums Partnership. Participants learned how documents housed in Kresen Kernow, the Cornwall records office in Redruth, bore witness to the involvement in slavery of key figures in Cornish history.  

Rowan Miller, head of funding in the South West for The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, Black Voices Cornwall will continue delivering workshops in schools, businesses and community settings across the Duchy and offer advice, advocacy and social activities to support members of the local black, Cornish and minority ethnic community.”

• To find out more, visit www.blackvoicescornwall.org