The West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative (WMRJI) has announced the appointment of Dawn Brathwaite as the new Chair of the Regional Board, succeeding Dean Andrew Zihni.
Dawn brings a wealth of experience and a lifelong commitment to racial justice, inclusion, and equity across both the Church and wider civic sectors. She has served on the West Midlands Racial Justice Board since its inception and is also a member of the Racial Justice Board for the Church of England Birmingham. She is a General Synod representative and a long-standing member of St Boniface Church, Quinton, Birmingham.
A former solicitor and partner in a national law firm, Dawn became the firm’s first Strategic Lead for Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing after her retirement from the law. Dawn has held various board and trustee roles and is currently a Non-Executive Director in the NHS. Her dedication to diversity and inclusion has been recognised through numerous awards.
Dawn said: "I am passionate about racial justice and for many years have immersed myself in various programmes in different sectors to promote inclusion. The West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative is bold and innovative. It reminds me of the African saying: 'If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together'."
"So, together our six Dioceses — Birmingham, Coventry, Gloucester, Hereford, Lichfield and Worcester — have embarked on an amazing journey of collaboration, intentional in purpose to make sustainable change and to make the voices of our UKME/GMH members (clergy and lay) be seen and heard in all spaces."
"It is a huge privilege to take over the role as Chair of the WMRJB from Dean Andrew Zihni who has steered us with such wisdom to this juncture. I look forward to working with our board members and operational staff to continue delivering the vision for this initiative. We cannot falter, we must persevere if we are going to see a transformed church where every individual, regardless of race or background, not only belongs, but thrives. That is our vision for our Dioceses and our Church."
Bishop Martin welcomed Dawn's appointment, saying:
"I am delighted to see Dawn Brathwaite’s appointment as the new Chair for West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative. Worcester is one of the six dioceses who came together to set up this Initiative, which started in 2024. Dawn has been an excellent member of the Board since its inception, and brings her passion for racial justice and her experience as a solicitor and non-executive director together in this role. Welcome Dawn!"
