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An inspiration for black boys
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor03.12.08
London's most impressive black role models were named by the Government today as ministers urged young British people to follow the examples of Barack Obama and Lewis Hamilton.
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said the list of 20 Afro-Caribbean men - nine of them from the capital - was aimed at raising the aspirations of black boys, particularly those who grow up without fathers.
The campaign, the first of its kind in the UK, includes a barrister from Brixton, a company boss from west London, a firefighter from Herne Hill and a London Underground project manager. An accountant, civil servant and a Territorial Army officer are also on the list.
The winners were selected from 200 high achievers who impressed a panel including fashion designer Ozwald Boateng and winner of The Apprentice Tim Campbell.
Ms Blears said: "The election of Barack Obama and Lewis Hamilton's recent success is a powerful signal to young people that they can achieve.
"But for many they will still be the men on the telly, removed from their day-to-day lives, whose achievements exist in a world beyond theirs. The role modelling programme was about finding a way of making a more relevant connection; nurturing ambitious, realistic aspirations by showing young black men that they can achieve in any and every walk of life they can imagine.
"That is why I am delighted by the calibre and diversity of the role models that have put themselves forward. Each of these men has faced challenges and barriers, but through skill, determination and hard work they have succeeded.
"Now they have a chance to tell their stories and show that success and recognition are there for the taking - if only young people reach for them."
The role models will go into schools and colleges, youth projects and also young offender institutions. As well as helping other black mentors, their messages and life stories will be amplified through blogs, podcasts and web chats.
A report to the Government last year highlighted the barriers preventing some black boys from fulfilling their full potential, and stressed that too often the only images of successful black men were of rap artists glamorising crime, guns and gangs.
Ms Blears also announced that the role model project will benefit from an additional £1million of investment, bringing the total up to £2million.
All 20 of the leading role models have an inspiring story to tell and they come from a range of backgrounds - from growing up in socially and economically deprived areas across the UK, to childhood in Nigeria.
Some have experienced racism and hardship, seeing friends go down the wrong route, getting into trouble with police and experiencing pressure to join gangs.
The role model group is being launched tonight in London, and Ms Blears will be joined by actor and playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah, Attorney General Baroness Scotland, and Minister for Higher Education David Lammy.
Reader views (17)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
I think a new way of thinking is desperately needed if we are ever going to tackle some of the issues that plague young and deprived people in our local communities and in the world. Make no mistake there is only one real community and we are all part of one true race-The human race (Don’t let anyone tell you different).
We need to be more inclusive in the way we think and act; we need to take responsibility for our failings when they occur so that lessons can be learned and individuals have the confidence and understanding to stop revisiting traumatic memories for whatever reasons to allow the healing process take place and focus on paths that lead to fulfilment and success.
The youth must not allow ignorance and laziness get the better of them.
Hats off to the guys (The Reach mentors -) for going public with their inspirational stories and I hope it has the desired effects on all young people but let's be careful not to kid ourselves or patronise anyone about what is required to excel in life because there is no substitute for hard work, determination and a bit of imagination which will enable us appreciate all the role models around us regardless of their ethnic origin and personal preferences.
We are all born unique and original we must try hard not to become clones! Mimic behaviours not people.
Adrian Ikeji, London
- Adrian Ikeji, London,UK
A white person by birth has advantage in this world paid for by non-white blood. Black people were raped and pillaged so your banks and museums and financial systems work. So if now after centuries of this nonsense, people want to make a song and dance about being black then this is a start. It's long overdue and its not even enough.
These men represent realistic, practical and achievable success and the fact is that if Lewis Hamilton and Jay-Z are the only so called black role models in the public eye, then the problem of stereotyping never goes away. You don't have to do music or sport to be a successful black man, and we need to make more of a song and dance about THAT.
If you want white role models look on TV any day of the week, if you want a music awards based on music of white origin look at practically every music awards ceremony other than the MOBOs. Be careful you're not part of the new breed of racists who think so called 'equality' and the eradication of the expression of racial difference is a positive thing. It isn't and you just need to get over that.
- Lola, London
What interesting replies to a project designed to show young Black men that there are people out there, who live and breathe the work ethic, amongst the negative stereotypes that exist.
I am a teacher. I love teaching, even more than I loved my career as a professional cricketer. This may shock many people but it is true...but why?
As a cricketer,I worked very hard, was disciplined and carried myself on the cricket field, as the paying members would expect. However, as a sportsman I asked myself sometimes if I was sending the wrong message to the people who may have idolised me...Black or White but particularly Black youth.
Black success is too often represented in the media, as the sportsman (who lacked an education, so chose sport), the actor, or the gangsta rapper(let us not forget more conscious artists, like Talib Kweli, Mos Def,etc). What is also too often sterotyped is the image of the Black male, who procreates with whomever he chooses and leaves the mother to rear the child.
The REACH programme is not about isolation or any separatist ideologies. It is about 20 Black men, assisting the current structures (such as EMAG,EiC,EAZ, etc) in shifting the paradigms that exist in too many young Black males. It is not 'racist' and it is not 'the magic formula';it is voluntary and necessary (especially in light of some of the negative responses here).I am proud to be a teacher and positively contribute to the lives of ALL young people and I am honoured to be a REACH mentor.
- Adrian Rollins, London, England.
I dont understand why people always complain about not having equivalent white movements, such as "why isn't there white history month", what about white mentoring e.t.c, wasn't it Tony Blair that adressed the london Knife crime wave, as being a problem in a 'certaIN community' when that certain community tries to adress the problem, its racist. David Moon, start your white mentoring, because black people wouldn't care, and comparing the mentors above, with members of the BNP, makes no sense, they are actually racist. but comment all you want its still going to happen, HA HA. Some white people obvioulsly cannot take it when Black people start achieving and making big movements, it scares them.
- Kay Ferudo, london
I totally agree David Moon-it's like the MOBO's-now if we had a similar award for Music of WHITE Origin then ok-but that would be deamed to be racist wouldn't it because it excludes our brothers of colour. However, an award for only Music of Black Origin then there's no problem with that is there? No only double standards.
- David, Sussex
Luke Skywalker inspired me, when I grew up and tomorrow I will finally test the gigantic gun I spent my whole childhood building. That suspicious looking moon, that hangs over this planet, days are finally numbered!
- New Hope, Glasgow UK Federation
T Romain said: "Traditionally, people of African origin were made to feel inferior through a sustained campaign by an inhumane system, and have only been able to experience equality in recent years."
This is nonsense,
Blacks in Africa, were absolute savages when the white man arrived.
They did not even use the wheel - there was no formal education or any form of medical care. Raping, pillaging and murder of other villages and tribes was rife.
Somehow the goody two-shoe loonies have a picture of black Africa in the 1800s as a well run suburb of London!
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Present day blacks have to live with their recent history of tribal/racist violence as well as the ongoing collapse and failure of Africa to achieve anything - let along food production.
If I was a young black man - my ICON would be someone like Branson.
Unless of course I was a black racists which your article seems to suggest.
If the world is to survive - we a need a non racist society.
Pandering to black people is an arrogant insult and does little or nothing for self respect.
- Dennis, Johannesburg .South Africa
Just car racer no?
- Jacqueline, Hampstead, London
If i had a girl friend who was in a group called pussy cat dolls i would keep her out of sight.she sounds totally irrelevant.
- Kev, London
I was always taught not to single out anyone by race, colour or religion, guess it’s Ok to do that now!
- Paul, London
I didn't realise Lewis hamilton was black. Like Leona Lewis, Hamilton is mixed-race. He lived near me
- Keith Price, Luton, England
All can benefit from knowing that people from a community that is still trying to deal with the after-effects of hundreds of years of discrimination and prejudice can rise above preconceptions and stereotypes to achieve great things.
Traditionally, people of African origin were made to feel inferior through a sustained campaign by an inhumane system, and have only been able to experience equality in recent years. Any person with a modicum of intelligence and an awareness of history would know this and have an understanding of the challenges faced by black people. Highlighting positive role models and reaffirming that black people can achieve great things can do no harm and is a lesson ALL can draw from - except of course those who appear to feel particular resentment towards people of colour, such as Mr Moon.
This point is, we now live in a society where all people can achieve success as long as they work hard and remain focused on their goals. I see no reason why this should not be celebrated and can only wonder at the attitudes of those that would detract from this.
Try to see the money as an investment in the future, bearing in mind that black people pay taxes too. If it helps even one kid (black or otherwise) stay away from crime and believe in their ability to be successful then it's money well spent.
- T Romain, London
I agree with David Moon 100%
- L Parker, London
Hate to see celeb types stuffed in with serious business and other professionals. The problem is not a lack of 'black' success, its the shallowness of the overpaid entertainment and sports business where so much of that 'success' comes from. Too many youths think they too can be the flashy singer or athlete making millions a year and trading women every day, etc.
- Trunk, US
David Moon,Seaford,i completely agree.but not detracting from the fact that black youth do need good role models apart from misogynist homophobic gangster rap so called artists.All youth need good role models but all thay get is examples of greed and selfish behaviour from there peers.Im consistently amazed as to how well behaved and considerate most British youth are in spite of the bad example their peers show them.
- Kev, London
Who cares - car racing?!
- Martin O, London, NW1,
Is this just for black kids or can anyone join in? Will there be a 'role model project' for dis-advantaged young white boys many of whom are an ethnic minority within inner city communities and schools in our country today?
Will Richard Barnbrook, the BNP man elected to the GLA in the May elections be hailed as a shining example to them by Hazel Blears? Will £2 million of taxpayers money be allocated to support such a project? Will there be a special launch evening where only white celebrities and politicians are invited to participate?
Er....no.
I thought not! I mean, heaven forbid. How RACIST would that be?
- David Moon, Seaford, UK
