Children In Need have pledge to match Croydon grime Artist Stormzy's pledge for £10 million for causes tackling racial injustice and improving the lives of young black people in the UK.
On Monday (July 13), the BBC's much-loved children's charity revealed they would match the world-famous rapper's promise to donate £10 million amid the ongoing rise of the Black Lives Matter movement in the US, UK and elsewhere.
As the Croydon Guardian reported previously, Stormzy made the pledge of funds to be distributed over a 10-year-period and Children In Need said they would match that commitment.
Today we’re pleased to announce we will be matching Stormzy’s £10M pledge with new funding to benefit young Black lives in the UK, in partnership with BBC @1Xtra
— BBC Children in Need (@BBCCiN) July 13, 2020
More → https://t.co/QEMf09vETE pic.twitter.com/AmGPYN6juQ
Stormzy welcomed the news in a statement publicised on Monday.
"Further to making my pledge last month, I'm happy to hear that the BBC have also taken up my plea for others to pledge," he said.
"I'm also pleased to know of their commitment to allow young black people to decide where the money will be spent, and I believe this decision is an imperative factor in supporting and strengthening the young black community.
"We continue to urge others to join us in pledging," the celebrated artist added.
So, this was exciting! 😃
— Tarah Welsh (@Tarahwelsh) July 9, 2020
Had a chat with #Stormzy and @Goodguysdecor.
Full interview on @BBCLondonNews at 18.30. 📺
They talk about the work of The Good Guys, #BlackLivesMatter and deleting social media.
🎥🎞 Filmed and edited by @cameraman_daave https://t.co/uoaKZY9E2r
The BBC children's charity said that the money would go towards a Radio 1Xtra project develop a dedicated new funding programme to support young black talent.
"...As well as a plan of action that will support individuals, organisations and groups in all areas of the UK and fund a range of activities which will enhance the lives of young black people."
The BBC said it would also consider applications for grants that will "support young social entrepreneurs in making a difference in their local communities, to develop young leaders and youth leadership, to enable access to education and learning, and to develop young people's skills and confidence for work."
BBC Children in Need trustee Kenny Imafidon added her thoughts: "Over the past few weeks, some of the systematic and institutional racism that exists in the UK has been laid bare, open for all to see.
"This racism is not new and many people from the black community, like myself, have had to endure the negative effects of it all.
"The anti-racism movement in the UK has truly gathered momentum to bring about sustainable and long-lasting change.
"I can speak for the entire board of trustees and all the staff at BBC Children in Need when I say we were really inspired by Stormzy's pledge."
According to the Sunday Times 'Young Rich List', Stormzy is worth around £20 million, meaning his donation pledge to tackle racial injustice equates to half his total wealth.
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