Black History Month 2023 offers a significant opportunity to celebrate Black women, their achievements and the contributions they’ve made to communities.  

 In this blog, we hear from two remarkable Black women who have played a pivotal role in the work of charities that have been supported by National Lottery funding.   

Adekemi Giwa – The Play Centre CiC  

Adekemi Giwa first realised she wanted to do more to support her community after doing community outreach work with her local church.  

Adekemi says:  

“I believe with the right interventions, the narrative can change for the better [in communities]. My outreach work inspired me to better equip myself. 

“I went back to school to obtain a Diploma in Life Coaching and a certification in CBT, so that I could be more efficient in my service delivery and impactful in my effort.” 

Through Adekemi’s work at The Play Centre Glasgow, she has been able to make a real difference and impact in her community. 

The Play Centre CiC provides an environment where children and families can thrive. Through their youth club, workshop and mentoring sessions they work to raise Champions and Leaders in a safer, healthier and inclusive environment. They have been supported by National Lottery funding to deliver these workshops as well as support people in their community during the cost-of-living crisis. 

Adekemi says: 

“The Play Centre Glasgow has become a one-stop-shop centre on matters of social isolation, community cohesion, regeneration and education.” 

“Our recent cost-of-living National Lottery award has enabled us to support the community and taught them resilience in the face of the increased cost-of-living through financial intelligence, emotional intelligence and other approaches.” 

“Black History Month gives us time to reflect on the journey of Black people through the centuries, where it started, how it transpired and where we are presently. It means Black emancipation and empowerment.” 

“For young Black individuals who aspire to become leaders and make a difference in their communities; it begins first with you. My advice is first be the difference you want to create.”  

Rose Sehakizinka – Isaro Community Initiative 

Winner of this year’s ‘Women in the Community’ Circle of Inspiration Award, Rose is the co-founder of Isaro Community Initiative.  

She spearheads Isaro’s project management from design, implementation to monitoring, evaluation and learning. 

Isaro Community Initiative is a Black and Minority Ethnic community-led organisation based in Centre81 in Glasgow. They aim to promote the building of an empowered community through social and economic integration, advancement of education and sustainable development. With support from National Lottery funding they support community members from diverse backgrounds. 

They have also been supported through Young Start funding to run a programme of activities led by children and young people from diverse cultural communities. The project enables them to achieve their educational and career aspirations through volunteering and training opportunities. 

Rose says: 

“Black History Month means celebrating and recognising the impact leaders of the black community have made within the organisations and the communities they live in. 

“Over the years, Black women have made a significant contribution to advocate for change and social justice but their voices have often been forgotten, so this year’s theme will enable us to highlight and remember their achievements.  

“It also enables us to recognise the leadership, talent and impact of pioneer black women in British history and society. As we learn about their achievements as women, we are inspired and encouraged to continue making a positive impact in the society we live in.”