Tell us about your organisation, how you started and what you do?
Communities Against Racism Enterprise – CARE was founded by myself, Ruth South, in June 2020 after I reflected on how, as a 5 year old, racism had traumatised my family and me for decades.
I still remember the racist incidents like it was yesterday. It got me thinking that my family and I could not be the only ones. So, I posted a notification on Facebook asking others about their experiences of racism and the responses came flooding in.
The common phrase was, ‘I remember it like it was yesterday’. The pain that some felt whilst re-telling their childhood memories of racism was captured via video interviews and was so emotional that the energy filled the room.
I then realised that intervention was necessary for those suffering from racial trauma. I sought to do this through the REPAIR-ATION of the mind, regardless of ethnicity, culture, background or skin colour. I believe that the victim and the perpetrator, irrespective of age and gender, are affected by racism, as no one gets a free pass.
The negative narrative disseminated regarding people of colour (POC) in education, science, media and within society is doing little to help those affected by racism to heal holistically. It has been scientifically and medically proven that what happens to the mind always affects the body.
There is much talk from organisations and agencies on how best to eradicate institutional and systemic racism, which is commendable. Still, there appears to be minimal affirmative action. Therefore, we at CARE aim to help heal the psychological, societal and health issues that racism and trauma can bring. We aim to do this from the grassroots level upwards and through any medium. Many people have caught this vision and CARE now has over 30 professionals from all walks of life helping to make this vision a reality.
What has been your greatest achievement?
In October 2020, the SUCOTETO Wreath of Remembrance, Hope and Healing was created. The wreath is to remember the sacrifice of those who died due to enslavement and racism.
The name SUCOTETO is from the first two letters of the beginning of the products that were picked by those enslaved and are enjoyed globally to this day.
The products: SU-GAR, CO-Cotton, CO-ffee, CO-coa, TE-a, and TO-bacco = SUCOTETO.
On 24th July 2022, the SuCoTeTo Wreath was inaugurated at a ceremony which was attended by the Wolverhampton community. Special guests and speakers included Madam Mayor Sandra Samuels, Sir Geoff Palmer, Prof Geoff Thompson – Deputy Chair of the Commonwealth Games, Pastor Jeff Nicholson and Pastor Jeffrey Brown – the Seventh Day Adventist Church General Conference Ministerial Association Secretary. The whole event was live streamed and can be seen on YouTube here.
On 4th October 2022, along with the Mayor of Wolverhampton, CARE was the recipient of the World Civility Community Ambassadors Award, presented by HRH Sir Dr Clyde Rivers, King of Development at Large of Ghana, Africa. HRH King Clyde is the founder and President of IChange Nations. On his first visit to Wolverhampton, he commissioned us as ambassadors of Civility for the work we are doing not only in our local community but also nationally and internationally.
What is your experience of support received from WVCA?
The support from WVCA has always been helpful and very informative. Sharon has always been there when we needed guidance and signposted us to information enabling us to make the right decision for our organisation. We are still in the process and we know that WVCA will help us to make the right decisions for our organisation.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt about working with people in Wolverhampton?
CARE knows and understands that everyone is unique; we all have different experiences and that not one project fits all. Wolverhampton is made up of different ethnicities and cultures and while being unique, we can still be inclusive. No one should feel excluded from any part of society as CARE believes that we should be our brothers’ keepers. We are all, after all, One Blood, One Race, and One People.
What are some of the challenges you face and how can WVCA help to support your organisation in the future?
Due to the nature of what CARE offers, finding the best fit has not proved easy. Knowing whether to become a CIC or a Charity is a challenge. An in-depth workshop, from a professional body like WVCA, would benefit those who set up not-for-profit organisations and need to know the pros and cons of different models.
It would be great if there was a generic starter fund for ideas that would greatly benefit the community; one you could access straight away instead of having to go through the protracted process of applying for funding.
We would like a Funding or a Bid Writing workshop to help us know what funders look for in applications so that applications are not turned away or returned for amendments.
This action would help to alleviate the ‘fear of not getting it right’ when putting in a bid for funding. It would also be great if there was a list of funders interested in organisations like CARE which would help save time in approaching funders who have no interest in what we are trying to achieve.
Where can we find out more?
Ruth South – Founder and CEO Mob: 07707158425
Or Esther Douglas – Co-founder Mob: 07800670041
Email: info@care1brp.com or info@communities-against-racism.com
Website: www.care1brp.com
Would you like to be featured in our Voluntary Sector Focus? Contact Sharon Nanan-Sen on sharon.nanan-sen@wvca.org.uk for more info!