In this special episode of Black Funding Network Spotlight On Series, co-founder Patricia Hamzahee sits down with Joy-Emma Martin, solicitor at Reed Smith and passionate advocate within the firm’s Racial Justice Working Group. As we celebrate our 5th anniversary, we’re proud to spotlight Reed Smith - not only a valued corporate partner of Black Funding Network but also the generous host of our Spring Funder event in 2025.

Joy-Emma shares her personal journey into law and her commitment to racial justice, as well as Reed Smith’s motivations for supporting Black-led grassroots organisations. Together, they explore how the firm’s Racial Justice Initiative came to life, its impact on the wider community, and how pro bono legal support can be a game-changer for small organisations challenging inequality on the front lines.

Listeners will hear insights on the tangible ways Reed Smith backs movements for equity, what it means to employees to work on purposeful projects, and how community groups can access the firm’s support.

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, corporate changemaker, or someone passionate about racial justice, this episode offers inspiration, practical advice, and a look at what real partnership can achieve.

🎧 Tune in, share, and join us as we continue building a more just future - together.

In this inspiring episode, with our co-founder Angela Ferreira we are joined by Pauline Walker, Creative Producer of Alfred Fagon Award, and acclaimed playwright Juliet Gilkes Romero, recipient of the Roland Rees Bursary (2019), Alfred Fagon Award (2020), and current mentor to Tia-Renee Mullings, winner of the Mustapha Matura Award and Mentoring Programme (2023).

Together, they explore the cultural significance of the Alfred Fagon Award – the UK's leading prize for Black British playwrights – and the vital role it plays in amplifying diverse voices in theatre. Juliet shares her personal journey as both an award winner and mentor, reflecting on the importance of legacy, sustainability, and the power of community in the arts.

The conversation highlights the ongoing impact of our Spring 2021 funder, where Alfred Fagon Award was one of the presenting organisations. We discuss how this funding has supported their mission, their vision for the future as they celebrate 30 years of championing Black British playwrights, and why funding diverse stories is more urgent than ever in today's theatre ecology – particularly in the face of ongoing DEI backlash.

Join us as we celebrate the transformative power of collective giving and the extraordinary talent shaping the future of British theatre.

In our inaugural episode of Collective Power: Stories of Black-led Change, we are spotlighting Elevated Minds CIC. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Founder and CEO, Doreen Sinclair McCullen, and Chair of Directors, Dixie Joseph, as they share their journey of supporting excluded youth and building stronger community relations.

Discover how Elevated Minds empowers young people to enhance their mental health, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence, while also fostering trust and understanding between the Black community and law enforcement. Through innovative programs, partnerships with organisations like PwC and local schools, and their groundbreaking work in cultural awareness and mentoring, Elevated Minds is changing narratives and creating brighter futures.

This episode also highlights the urgent need for sustainable funding and community support, offering actionable ways to get involved. Whether you’re inspired to partner, volunteer, or simply listen, this episode showcases the power of collective giving to uplift Black-led grassroots organisations.