Black Heroes Foundation
1024. Joyce Fraser
Joyce Fraser, from London, runs ‘The Black Heroes Foundation’ which celebrates Black role models by hosting performance nights and educational workshops.
The Foundation was originally founded by Joyce’s late husband, Peter Randolph Fraser, who was the first editor of The Voice newspaper. Since 2014, Joyce has continued his legacy of community work by leading personal development programmes that empower young people to be proud of their heritage and aspire to achieve their dreams. Joyce created the monthly event ‘The Black Heroes Soul Food Cafe’ to provide a creative space for African diaspora in London to perform songs and celebrate their heritage and culture. Joyce’s award coincides with the Black History Month reception at Downing Street.
In a personal letter to Joyce, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Your dedicated work running ‘The Black Heroes Foundation’ is highlighting the extraordinary contributions African and African-Caribbean people have made to life in Britain. By empowering Black Britons to celebrate their culture and perform at your ‘Soul Food Cafe’ events, you are continuing the remarkable legacy of your late husband Peter.”
Joyce Fraser said:
“It is a great privilege to be awarded the ‘Point of Light’ by the Prime Minister for the work Black Heroes Foundation has been doing to promote the positive aspects of Black people’s and Britain’s entwined histories. Celebrating the contributions made throughout history by people of African and Caribbean descent. Teaching and cultivating the next generation to aspire to more and take pride in their heritage.
It is an honour to receive this as we celebrate our 2nd anniversary this month. This award gives us a great opportunity to raise awareness of our campaign to mount a new version of the legendary Black Heroes in The Hall of Fame show at the Hackney Empire in October 2019, continuing the legacy of my late husband ‘Flip’ Fraser, creator of this iconic show and first editor of The Voice newspaper. The ‘London’s Great Women of Colour’ fundraising event closing Black History Month, takes place at City Hall London’s Living Room on Tuesday 30 October, in the presence of His Excellency the High Commissioner of Jamaica; hosted by Pamela Ivonne Cole and featuring: Kofi, Elayne Smith, Lloyd Brown, Noel McKoy and ArA Harmonic.”