The charity will match the sum pledged by Stormzy over 10 years to support young black entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities, help fund youth leadership programmes and access to education for young black people.
Children in Need will also partner with Radio 1 Xtra to develop a programme to support and fund a range of activities that will enhance young black lives and enhance black talent.
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The programme will be developed in partnership with young people who will be involved in the design and delivery process, from naming the new programme to reviewing grant applications and advising on the allocation of funding, Children in Need said.
Stormzy pledged £10m to black British causes over 10 years last month following the death of George Floyd in America.
He said he wanted black people to have the same opportunities as white people, adding: "The uncomfortable truth that our country continuously fails to recognise and admit, is that black people in the UK have been at a constant disadvantage in every aspect of life - simply due to the colour of our skin.”
In 2018 Stormzy paid for two black students to go to Cambridge University and also has a deal with Penguin, called #Merkybooks, to help young black authors get published in the UK.
Commenting on the Children in Need funding, he said: “Further to making my pledge last month, I’m happy to hear that the BBC have also taken up my plea for others to pledge. I’m also pleased to know of their commitment to allow young black people to decide where the money will be spent and I believe this decision is an imperative factor in supporting and strengthening the young black community. We continue to urge others to join us in pledging.”
Kenny Imafidon, trustee of BBC Children in Need, added: "Over the past few weeks, some of the systematic and institutional racism that exists in the UK has been laid bare open for all to see. This racism is not new and many people from the black community, like myself, have had to endure the negative effects of it all.
“The anti-racism movement in the UK has truly gathered momentum to bring about sustainable and long-lasting change. Many people, groups, businesses, and brands have had to reflect, look inwards and ask themselves "what can I, or we do to change things and make a difference?"
“I can speak for the entire Board of Trustees and all the staff at BBC Children in Need when I say, we were really inspired by Stormzy’s pledge. I am excited about this new fund and I truly believe that this is the beginning of greater things to come, as we continue on our mission to support children and young people most in need.”
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Find out more about CYP Now’s #Chances4Children campaign
