ABOUT BLACK CORE KENT
It Started with One Question.
How do we ensure Black and Brown stories, businesses and communities are seen, celebrated and valued in Kent?
OUR STORY
For our founder Jo Oluwo, that question became the beginning of Black Core Kent.
Born in East London to a Nigerian father and an English mother, Jo grew up navigating and embracing two cultures, giving her an early understanding of the importance of identity, belonging and connection. That experience shaped her belief that communities are strongest when people feel seen, valued and able to learn from one another.
Jo went on to build a successful career as an award-winning television makeup artist, working with some of the UK's most recognised broadcasters and public figures. Six years ago, she began a new chapter, moving to Kent to pursue her passion for writing and become an author.
As she settled into her new community, she recognised something was missing. While Kent is home to diverse communities and remarkable individuals, there were few visible spaces dedicated to celebrating Black and Brown culture, amplifying local voices, or creating opportunities for people to connect through shared experiences.
Rather than waiting for that space to exist, Jo created it.
Black Core Kent was founded in 2024 to celebrate culture, strengthen community and create opportunities for connection. What began as one person's vision has grown into an organisation that brings people together through cultural events, community conversations and initiatives that celebrate Black and Brown excellence across Kent.
Today, Black Core Kent continues to create opportunities for people to connect, learn, celebrate and thrive, while helping ensure Black and Brown communities are recognised as an integral part of Kent's story.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND BLACK CORE KENT
Directors
JO OLUWO
Founder & Director
Jo Oluwo founded Black Core Kent in 2024 after recognising the need for more visible spaces where Black and Brown communities could connect, celebrate culture and share their stories. Drawing on her experience in the creative industries and her passion for community building, she continues to lead the organisation's vision, partnerships and cultural programmes.
GRACE CROFTON
Director
Grace Crofton joined Black Core Kent in 2026, bringing her experience as a business owner and her passion for creating inclusive spaces. As a mixed-race woman who grew up in Kent, Grace shares Black Core's commitment to celebrating culture, strengthening community and creating opportunities for others to thrive.
Advisors
MARTIN HEAP
Advisor
Martin serves as an Advisor and Events Consultant to Black Core Kent, bringing decades of experience from the events and theatre industry. He provides invaluable guidance on event planning, production, logistics and operations, helping ensure programmes are professionally delivered while supporting the team with strategic advice, mentorship and industry insight.
VENICIA GAUL
Advisor
Venicia serves as an Advisor to Black Core Kent, helping shape the organisation's brand, communications and community engagement. Drawing on her extensive experience in brand marketing and communications, she provides strategic guidance on how Black Core Kent connects with communities, partners and stakeholders to support the organisation's long-term vision and impact.
Partners & Supporters
We are immensely grateful to the organisations, businesses and community partners helping to bring Black Core Kent's mission to life.
OUR MISSION
Celebrating Culture. Supporting Community. Creating Opportunity.
Black Core Kent exists to celebrate, support and empower Black and Brown communities across Kent.
Through community gatherings, cultural events and initiatives that support local businesses and creatives, we create opportunities for people to connect, culture to be celebrated and communities to grow stronger together.
We believe stronger communities are built when people feel seen, valued and connected.
Community . Opportunity . Representation . Empowerment
OUR VALUES
At the heart of Black Core Kent are four principles that define our purpose and inspire everything we do.
C
Community
Creating spaces where people belong, connect and grow together.
O
Opportunity
Supporting businesses, creatives and community through visibility, partnerships and access.
R
Representation
Celebrating Black and Brown voices, achievements and lived experiences across Kent.
E
Empowerment
Strengthening communities and creating opportunities for people to reach their full potential.
WHAT BEING A CIC MEANS
In Plain Terms
Black Core Kent is a Community Interest Company (CIC), which simply means everything we do is legally tied to benefiting Black and Brown communities in Ashford and wider Kent. In practice, this looks like:
Running cultural events, workshops and programmes that celebrate Black and Brown history, creativity, voices and achievement
Creating spaces for people to connect, collaborate and feel proud of who they are
Supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs and creatives through markets, showcases and opportunities to grow
Working alongside schools, colleges and community organisations on learning and mentoring.
Any surplus we make goes straight back into these programmes, none of it is paid out privately.
Please email jo@blackcorekent.co.uk for our complete Community Interest Statement.