“This work is so close to my roots and heart, celebrating and preserving Caribbean culture and music,” added the star whose hits include Greatest Day.
The project explores the impact of the Windrush migration within the local area through the lens of the Caribbean community’s contributions to the music and culture of Wolverhampton from the 1950s to the 1980s.
Diversity Music Community 1st was founded to honour the histories of Caribbean-born DJs, musicians and community leaders who have helped shape Wolverhampton’s cultural identity.
Wayne Blake, the chair director of the group, said: “There’s a rich and vibrant heritage in our community, and this National Lottery funding helps us honour it: from the Windrush generation who laid the foundations to the future generations shaping what comes next.
“Having Beverley Knight surprise us with the announcement made it even more special. She’s a Wolverhampton local, a hometown hero, and a proud daughter of the Windrush generation.
“Her presence reminded us just how powerful our roots are and how far they can reach.”