Walsall charity to celebrate 40 years serving the community
Leading Midlands charity, Walsall Black Sisters Collective (WBSC), is set to commemorate their 40th anniversary with a black-tie event on July 4 at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium, Walsall. Nikki Tapper MBE is the MC, Angie Le Mar will provide comedic entertainment, and Olympian Dame Denise Lewis DBE will deliver the keynote speech.
Formed in 1986, following the Birmingham riots, the WBSC works to address the inequality and discrimination faced by the Black community, focusing specifically on Black women.
For the past 30 years, Maureen Lewis has served as CEO of WBSC, which she believes has greatly impacted people’s lives because of their many community initiatives. She said: “Over the years, we’ve run numerous projects, ranging from projects around children’s education and raising attainment, to projects on Black history, personal development and women’s empowerment training. When I look back and see people who were part of the original journey and where they are at now, it makes us so proud.”
Other WBSC initiatives include a food bank, health awareness and community wellness programmes, an elderly daycare centre, and business capacity development services. They are also working on a book celebrating the early Windrush Generation of women in Walsall, and the history of Walsall Black Sisters Collective.
Maureen estimates that WSBC has supported over 10,000 people since it started.
A Christian since the age of 11, Maureen is committed to serving others.
What I love about community work is that sometimes the smallest thing can make a big difference. Sometimes, people just want a hug and that can be massive for some people, because they don’t receive love.
Maureen initially joined WBSC as an administrator, after spending four years working at McDonalds, and doing agency work. She evolved into the role of CEO after making a successful funding application. She left to work for a local authority but was invited back to continue working at WBSC.
WBSC’s 40th anniversary celebration is set to be a memorable occasion and a reminder that positive outcomes are the result when women join together to address community problems.
Click https://events.humanitix.com/wbsc-40th-anniversary to get your tickets.
