How black boys with better role models can escape a life of crime

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A report says African-Caribbean teenagers often aspire to the lifestyles of such celebrities but these ambitions do nothing to deter them from drugs, crime and violence.

It calls for funding to help black community groups and schools provide positive role models and mentors such as teachers, lawyers and professionals.

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The recommendations come from a panel reporting to Communities Secretary Hazel Blears.

Its report, called Reach, was published in the midst of concerns over shootings and murders involving black youths.

Only this week an inquest heard how 15-year-old Jessie James may have been killed for refusing to join a gang in Manchester.

Rap stars such as 50 Cent, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg and P Diddy are popular

Panel chairman Clive Lewis, head of the Men's Room charity, said: "Almost every week there are reports of the educational failure of young black men, of increasing gang membership and criminality, including murder, of deprivation, and over-representation in prison and mental health institutions.

Black professionals must replace the rappers as role models to teenagers

"Raising aspirations among black boys will create a more skilled workforce, reduce crime and provide a boost to the British economy."

However, two months ago the Communities Department backed an inquiry into social cohesion which recommended that Whitehall stop pumping cash into organisations for single ethnic groups.

It argued that using public money in this way is "regressive and divisive".

Robert Whelan of the Civitas think-tank, which runs seven supplementary schools around the country, said: "Black boys do not do well at school and that is often a result of their home circumstances.

"Those who have two parents do as well as any other children.

"But there are many black boys who do not have a strong male role model at home.

"Their role model then becomes the drug dealer at the school gates, who has the bling and the fast car."

Communities Secretary Mrs Blears added: "We will consider how the Government might support this recommendation for a national role modelling programme."