About us
Our Vision
A future where disparities are eradicated and Black leaders and their organisations are fully equipped and economically empowered to embed their unique cultural models of local services, that are the foundation of good health and thriving Black communities.
Our Story
Lewisham's Black-led Voluntary and Community Sector organisations have a rich history of advocacy and community services dating back to the 1970s and 80s with many national icons and UK firsts from which legislation was formed. Born out of the cumulative effects of racial disadvantage in areas such as police harassment, education, housing, and health, these organisations have been a cornerstone for the Black community. The Covid-19 pandemic, however, exposed the stark health inequalities faced by Black communities, revealing a disproportionate fatality rate and systemic neglect akin to the experiences of the Windrush generation.
Decades later, these systemic issues persist, impacting the health and wellbeing of their descendants and the broader Black community. During the pandemic, while vulnerable groups were advised to stay indoors, food programmes failed to address the cultural needs of Black African, Caribbean, and Asian-Indian elders, leaving them underserved.
In response, a small corporate fund was allocated to a consortium of five Black-led organisations in Lewisham. Within two weeks, the Familia Project was launched—a comprehensive initiative delivering culturally appropriate meals, fostering companionship through phone-befriending, and offering virtual well-being services. This collaborative effort involved partnerships with Black and Asian businesses, local shops, and restaurants. The project's innovative approach earned a nomination for the Lewisham Mayor’s Award in 2021, recognising its capacity to provide community-tailored solutions.
This experience underscored the indispensable role of Black third-sector organisations, showcasing their level of innovation, agility unparalleled ability to deliver culturally relevant services, getting to the heart of intractable issues. Rooted in their communities, these organisations possess a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and economic factors influencing health outcomes, positioning them uniquely to provide support that others cannot replicate.
The success of the Familia Project highlighted the urgent need for a local infrastructure organisation to empower and advance the Black third sector. Consequently, six months later, Kinaraa CIC was launched. Dedicated to empowering Black leaders and the local community, Kinaraa carries forward the legacy of Lewisham's Black third-sector initiatives, extending its influence beyond the borough.
Kinaraa stands as a testament to the power of community-driven advocacy and innovation, committed to addressing health inequalities and fostering systemic change. By ensuring the voices and needs of the Black community are at the forefront, we continue to honour and build upon Lewisham's proud history of Black-led organisations.
Our Mission
To enable wise spending by local and regional public sector and anchor organisations that, supports Leadership and Economic Growth of Lewisham's Black Third Sector, and eradicates health inequalities and their causes for thriving Black communities.
Our Values
To build stronger cultural traditions into all areas of Kinara’s work, the following 7 principles are at the core of everything we do.
Unity
The importance of togetherness to reach common goals as a community
Cooperative Economics
Keeping those financial resources in the community will help them define their economic futures.
Self Determination
To define, name, create, and speak for ourselves
Purpose
To have a clear and stick to the intention of Kinaraa’s work and impact
Collective Work and Responsibility
Pool resources so everyone can have an opportunity at success.
Creativity
Everyone comes with some level of creativity, some more than others, whilst others discover their creativity during service
Faith
Through our own faith we have faith in people and each other in the work, process, and outcome for Black communities.
About our Founder
Barbara Gray, former Mayoress of Lewisham, founded Kinaraa in 2021 to address unique challenges faced by the local Black African and Caribbean community, accentuated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Drawing inspiration from Maya Angelou throughout her journey, Barbara continues to amplify the voice of her community, share important stories, and empower its development.
Barbara has always been aspirational and believes that one should never settle for less. Despite facing several challenges in finding jobs, housing, and more, she persevered and reached the position she is in today…
Our Partners
Kinaraa collaborates with a diverse range of organisations, aiming for the growth and development of a robust Black third sector. Our partnerships go beyond just funding support; they include joint leadership development activities, community outreach programs, and advocacy for health equality.
By harnessing rich historical and cultural competence and integrating it into our collaborations, we strive to nurture a diverse network of individuals, communities, and organisations, thereby strengthening the impact of an already influential Black third sector.
To find out more about partnering with Kinaraa, please contact us at Hello@Kinaraa.org