Six Months Into 2026: Black and Proud CIC’s Community Impact

We're Only Six Months Into 2026. Here's What We've Achieved So Far.

At Black and Proud CIC, we believe meaningful change is built one opportunity, one partnership and one person at a time.

As we reach the halfway point of 2026, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has already been an incredible year. Over the past six months, we have continued to empower individuals, strengthen communities and create opportunities through education, employment, leadership, community engagement and sport.

Every project we deliver is driven by one purpose: creating lasting opportunities for Black communities and their allies while building stronger, more connected communities for everyone.

Here are some of the milestones that have defined the first half of our year.

Named Community Empowerment Organisation of the Year 2026

One of the proudest moments of our year was being named Community Empowerment Organisation of the Year 2026, East Midlands by SME News.

Black and Proud CIC was also included among the organisations recognised in SME News’ Q2 2026 awards listings.

This recognition means a great deal to us because community empowerment has been at the centre of our work since the organisation began.

We started Black and Proud CIC with a commitment to support people, amplify underrepresented voices, create opportunities and build platforms through which communities could develop and thrive.

Receiving this award is a recognition of the work delivered by our team, volunteers, partners and supporters. It also reflects the trust placed in us by the individuals and communities who participate in our programmes.

The award belongs to everyone who has contributed their time, knowledge, encouragement and support to our journey.

While we are proud of this recognition, we also see it as motivation to continue growing, improving and reaching more people.

Inspiring Future Leaders Through DANCOP

One of the highlights of 2026 has been delivering sessions as part of the DANCOP Future Leaders Programme.

Working with young people is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. Through interactive discussions and practical workshops, we explored leadership, confidence, resilience and the importance of believing in your own potential.

Our aim was not simply to deliver a session but to inspire the next generation of leaders to think bigger, dream bigger and understand that their background should never define their future.

Seeing students engage with the conversations and leave feeling motivated reminded us why investing in young people remains at the heart of our organisation.

Launching A City United Magazine

This year also saw the successful launch of the very first edition of A City United Magazine.

The magazine was created to celebrate positive stories from our communities, showcase local talent and provide a platform for individuals whose achievements deserve greater recognition.

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The launch event brought together community leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, volunteers and supporters for an evening celebrating community, culture and collaboration.

We were honoured to welcome the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner together with the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, whose attendance highlighted the importance of partnership working between the voluntary and public sectors.

This is only the beginning for A City United Magazine, and we look forward to continuing to tell inspiring stories that deserve to be heard.

Supporting the Next Generation of Solicitors

Increasing representation within the legal profession continues to be one of our priorities.

Through our SQE support programme, we have continued mentoring aspiring solicitors as they work towards qualification.

We are delighted that two of our candidates have successfully passed their SQE assessments with flying colours, marking a significant milestone in their professional journeys.

Several more candidates are preparing for the July examination window, while others continue preparing for future sittings.

We wish every one of them the very best and look forward to celebrating many more successes in the months ahead.

Helping People Build Successful Careers

Employment remains one of the most effective ways of creating lasting change.

This year we continued our partnership with OutKruit, delivering employability webinars and career development sessions designed to support students, graduates and professionals.

Together, we explored interview preparation, career planning, networking, confidence building and practical strategies for succeeding in today's competitive job market.

Helping people secure meaningful employment is about much more than finding a job. It is about creating long term opportunities, financial independence and confidence.

Supporting Black Leadership at Nottingham Trent University

We were also proud to contribute to Nottingham Trent University's Black Leadership Programme.

Working with students who are preparing to become tomorrow's leaders aligns perfectly with our mission of empowering individuals through education, mentorship and opportunity.

The programme provided an opportunity to share experiences, encourage leadership development and remind students that representation matters.

We are grateful to Nottingham Trent University for continuing to create spaces where Black students can develop the confidence and skills needed to thrive.

Securing Funding to Tackle Hate Crime

Another important milestone this year was successfully securing £1,500 through the Community Hate Crime Grant.

This funding will support projects that promote inclusion, strengthen relationships between communities and encourage conversations that challenge discrimination and hate crime.

Building safer and more connected communities requires collaboration, education and action, and we are proud to continue playing our part.

Celebrating the Success of City United FC

2026 has also been a remarkable year for City United FC.

The club secured promotion to Division Two, an achievement that reflects the commitment of everyone involved both on and off the pitch.

City United FC is about far more than football. It is a community where people improve their wellbeing, develop friendships, build confidence and find a sense of belonging.

The club continues to grow because of the dedication of its players, coaches, volunteers, supporters and partners, and we are incredibly proud of everything that has been achieved.

For the latest news, match reports, fixtures and club updates, visit www.cityunitedfc.co.uk.

None of This Happens Without Community

Behind every event is a volunteer.

Behind every workshop is a partner.

Behind every success story is someone who chose to give their time, expertise or encouragement.

To every volunteer, supporter, trustee, partner organisation, funder and community member, thank you.

Your belief in our vision enables us to continue creating opportunities that change lives.

Every achievement we celebrate belongs to all of us.

The Journey Continues

Although we are proud of everything we have achieved during the first six months of 2026, we know there is still so much more to accomplish.

The second half of the year will bring new partnerships, new events, new opportunities and new stories to share.

We remain committed to supporting young people, empowering professionals, promoting businesses, strengthening communities and creating opportunities wherever they are needed.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

We cannot wait to show you what the rest of 2026 has in store.