Building power where it has been denied
Olmec is a leadership and economic justice organisation rooted in community struggle and focused on building power for lasting change.
Artwork by Kim Thompson https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KimThompsonArt https://www.instagram.com/kim_a_tron
Black Lives Matter
Read our statement here and access our online resources
Black On Board
Do you want to become a board member? Join our 5* rated programme
BOB COMMUNITY
Join our member-led Black on Board Community organisation
We work with communities to challenge systemic barriers and create pathways into leadership, employment and enterprise. Born from struggles for housing justice and racial equality, we support people to develop the confidence, skills and networks needed to shape their own futures and influence the institutions around them.
Our Impact
For more than 20 years, Olmec has supported people and communities to build leadership, economic opportunity and collective power.
- 75% of Black on Board participants progress to board or senior leadership roles
- Partnerships with local authorities, housing associations and national organisations
- A growing network of 750 Black on Board alumni leaders across the UK
Work With Us
How We Create Change
Olmec builds power through leadership development, economic opportunity and community heritage.
We honour the struggles and achievements of the communities who came before us. Our work helped bring about Bronze Woman, the first public statue of a Black woman in Britain, celebrating the strength and leadership of Black women and inspiring future generations.
Through programmes like Black on Board, we have prepared over 750 people from under-represented communities to step into board and senior leadership roles across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Through Groundings, we support individuals and communities to access good work, start social enterprises and progress in their careers. The programme draws inspiration from the tradition of “groundings” — popularised by Caribbean historian Walter Rodney — which emphasises dialogue, community learning and collective empowerment.
Support Our Work. Donate Today.
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