My daughter Omolara recently suggested I write a book about manifesting. Her comment came after I successfully achieved a long-held wish: attending the final day of the Chelsea Flower Show—thanks to a last-minute, freebie ticket from a friend.

One of my surprising superpowers seems to be cosmic ordering About 13 years ago, I wrote a blog about how three wishes I made to the universe over twenty years manifested spectacularly within just six weeks. It was both exhilarating and a little frightening. Of course, they didn’t quite land exactly as I envisioned—rarely do—but they arrived, nonetheless.

I also reflect on a conversation I had with Philip Udeh (Ubele Director) in 2015. Sitting opposite each other at our hot desks at the 639 Enterprise Centre in Tottenham, we lamented the lack of control Black community organisations had over funding and funding decisions. Ever the activist, I suggested we create a foundation or trust. I even registered a domain name with the idea of supporting fundraising efforts for the Windrush 70th anniversary in 2018.

These stories set the stage for the main reason I am sharing this today. Last week, The Phoenix Way (TPW)—which Philip later named during the COVID-19 pandemic as an emergency grant making response—was officially registered as an independent entity.

After five years of what has been one of the toughest and most transformative journeys of my professional life, Philip, I, and a dedicated team of regional partners have achieved our collective vision: establishing a new mechanism that puts Black and racially minoritised communities in control of funding decisions. TPW goes further—it supports the development of regional infrastructure that our sector desperately needs—a foundation that was stripped away during austerity.

The story of TPW's inception is one of bold adventurers. We've relied on blind faith and deep trust to navigate unforeseen hurdles. There were moments of group fracture when the path seemed impossible, and times when stereotypes and internal doubts surfaced. We have had to dig deep slowing down and paying attention to what was happening in the group and being willing to engage in tough and honest conversations. There is need for these types of intervention and approaches to become embedded as core practice in TPW; the focus on group process as well as group task is critical to our future success and not all of us are used to this type of community building work.

As TPW National Convenor, there were several tough moments when I questioned whether I should step away. I was fortunate to have some excellent sounding boards and spaces created for reflection both within and outside of TPW and I stayed. However, my specific role should come to a natural end in December 2025 when the current funding arrangements ends. After almost 6 years in the leadership, I am ready for this change, especially as this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity coincided with significant growth within Ubele—facing its own internal challenges—and major projects like the completion of three eco-buildings at our Wolves Lane Centre and the establishment of Gida Housing Co-operative. Ubele will assume leadership for the London, South and East regions under the new arrangement.

Operating within an institutionally racist system means playing out and having to witness similar individual, sub and whole group behaviours that perpetuate inequality. I won’t delve into all the details here; perhaps that’s a discussion for and/or for another Phoenix Partner to share as we must be mindful of some of the dangers of a single story. What’s clear is that Black and Brown (and of course other communities) know only too well its own contradictions, idiosyncrasies and self-sabotaging behaviours, and its ability to get the job done despite such actions.

Our achievements are significant: since inception in 2020, we’ve raised £66.1m, funded over 320 groups, awarded more than £8 million in grants, and begun to build impactful regional and national infrastructure for our sector. We convene regularly—monthly, and much more regularly now we are in transition—we have been meeting in person in cities across five regions, often over overnight sessions. This work has demonstrated a deep commitment and camaraderie as it has spanned countless days, weeks, and years. And through it all, we continue to rise—true to our name.

We are now entering a new phase. As we transition from the current TPW National Leadership Group to the new organisation and leadership with revised organisational arrangements (which are still unfolding), we plan to expand our original six regions to nine, broadening our reach and impact.

Recently, I experienced the true spirit of TPW during our three-day "Reflect, Restore and Rejoice" retreat to mark our fifth anniversary. Partners reflected on our journey, celebrating achievements, personal growth, and organisational impact—alongside frustrations and challenges. We also looked ahead, identifying what still needs to be done, especially under new leadership.

Yvonne Field OBE in an interview with AiAi Studios

The retreat prioritised well-being, with therapy sessions facilitated by a team. Our story was documented in a ‘Big Brother’ style diary room, during our facilitated sessions and through individual interviews by a talented Black female creative team. We also took time to connect, network, and celebrate with our four new Directors over a festive evening meal, dancing and sharing our hopes for the future.

This journey has been one of faith, resilience, and collective purpose. I am proud of what we’ve built—and I’m excited about what lies ahead as we continue to create space for Black and racially minoritised communities to flourish.

The Phoenix Way Team engaging in a creative wellbeing workshop

I feel deeply privileged to have been approached by Shane Ryan (formerly of the National Lottery Community Fund) in April 2020 and asked to convene what has become a national ground-breaking ‘by and for’ initiative. Thank you, Shane, for having the original vision and tenacity to secure our original £52.4m NLCF funding and for believing in me.

I would also like to take this unique 5th year anniversary opportunity to express deep gratitude to the following intrepid travellers and TPW co-founders who have walked the talk alongside me...

Asif Afirdi brap, Baljit Banga Imkaan, Nasra Ayub (Future Phoenix) Global Fund for Children Susan Cueva (formerly of Kanlungan Filipino Consortium), Sado Jirde Black South West Network, Kirit Mistry South Asian Health Action - NBTA, Chikondi Mpokosa/Umme Imam The Angelou Centre, Kamran Rashid Impact Hub Yorkshire, Baljeet Sandhu Centre for Knowledge Equity., Anne-Marie Twumasi Global Fund for Children, Janett Walker Anti Racist Cumbria, Joy Warmington brap, Naz Zaman Inclusive North

Thanks to Iyiola Olafimihan from HAKI Collective CIC for joining TPW last year and for ensuring that we rightly pay attention to disability justice. I am also now welcoming Ghadah Alnasseri from Imkaan to TPW.

Sincere appreciation to Yvette Storr, John Borrell and the numerous other individuals who have provided invaluable backbone support. Your contribution has not gone unnoticed.

Finally, thanks to our funders Foundation Chanel, Lloyds Bank Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund and Youth Endowment Fund also to Katherine Gilmour and Hayley Roffey Global Fund for Children for supporting the grant management of TPW from idea to inception and growth!

Manifesting Dreams: A Personal Reflection on Faith, Resilience and Collective Action

The Phoenix Way Turns Five: A Milestone Marked with Reflection, Restoration and Rejoicing