BBC Children in Need matches Stormzy’s £10m racial equality pledge

Grime star had announced he was donating £10m over the course of a decade

BBC Children in Need has announced that it will match Stormzy‘s recent £10m spending pledge to tackle racial inequality.

In June, the grime artist revealed he would be donating the sum over the course of a decade to organisations, charities and movements tackling racial inequality, justice reform and black empowerment in the UK.

The BBC will develop a dedicated new funding programme to support young black talent, working in partnership with BBC Radio 1Xtra.

According to the broadcaster, the programme will be “developed in partnership with young people themselves who will be involved throughout the design and delivery process, from naming the new programme to reviewing grant applications and advising on the allocation of funding”.

BBC Children in Need currently provides fundds for over 3,000 charities and projects across the UK, in aid of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

Stormzy said: “Further to making my pledge last month, I’m happy to hear that the BBC have also taken up my plea for others to pledge.

“I’m also pleased to know of their commitment to allow young black people to decide where the money will be spent and I believe this decision is an imperative factor in supporting and strengthening the young black community. We continue to urge others to join us in pledging.”

Children in Need trustee Kenny Imafidon said: ”Over the past few weeks, some of the systematic and institutional racism that exists in the UK has been laid bare open for all to see. This racism is not new and many people from the black community, like myself, have had to endure the negative effects of it all.”

Full details about the new programme, including specifics on how to apply for funding, will be announced at a later date.