A social enterprise has been awarded £10,000 to help combat knife crime and street violence in London.
1000 Black Boys, which was set up to empower young black men and black boys to unleash their potential and live a life of purpose, was awarded the funding by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
The SIA says the fund will positively impact the lives and provide opportunities and role models to teenagers who are most likely to be victims of knife crime or youth violence in London.
The welcome news comes ahead of an open event on Tuesday 18th April in central London, which will honour parents who have lost a child to street violence.
Ademola Adeyeba, 43, who founded 1000 Black Boys after personally witnessing and experiencing the impact of knife crime, said:
“We have a vision to make a real difference to young people and impact their lives. As that happens, everyone benefits. And no one loses out.
“Today, the SIA has shown it shares that vision. So for being people that have a heart to make a lasting difference to young lives, we say a big thank you to Pete and the rest of the team at SIA.”
The SIA’s Grant for Good Causes is funded from money confiscated from individuals convicted of criminal offences within the private security industry. It has also given the charity Young Enterprise more than £7,500 for its Learn to Earn programme.
Pete Easterbrook, Head of Criminal Enforcement and chair of the SIA Grants panel said:
“In the 2022/23 financial year we were awarded £17,599.16 confiscated from people who committed crimes in the private security industry. We are investing the money into two worthy causes who are committed to supporting young people.”
The 1000 Black Boys ‘Honouring the parents’ event on 18th April is once again being supported by PwC, which is hosting the event at its London Bridge offices.
To book your place and to find out more, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1000-black-boys-april-2023-tickets-558193741507?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
