Wise words from a very talented young man, someone I can say is my favourite poet.
George the poet
Category Archives: Support
Book review: Prisoner to the streets by Robyn Travis
Review for Prisoner to the streets by Robyn Travis
In the summer of 2011 I was on my way to Holly street with Janette Collins (project manager for The Crib) to deliver the Consequences and Trading places workshop to some of the young people in that area. As we were driving Janette stopped the car asked Robyn where he was going, we were all heading in the same direction. This was my first time meeting Robyn, Jan asked him what he was up to these days, and he mentioned he was writing a book. Jan said snap, and mentioned I was doing the same thing. On the short ride to Holly Street, Robyn gave me a small insight to what his book was about and the purpose behind it, from then on I was eager to read it when it was done.
Just over a year later the book was completed, I know what type of satisfaction and relieve Robyn must have felt the first time he actually held the finish article in his hands. No more editing, but actually holding the book in his hands, knowing all the hard work and scarifies you have put in to a project like this.
Robyn called me to invite me and Janette to the Book launch on the 17th of October at the Bernie Grant centre. I was really looking forward to it, and I was not disappointed because I left there feeling inspired by the poets, speeches and by the humbled and comfortable atmosphere. So I left feeling good and now I have the book time to get reading.
Review
I am not person to promote something just for the sake of it, so I decided I will not recommend the book to anyone until I do it justice by reading it first.
I can honestly say Prisoner to the streets had me experiencing a wide range of emotions, from, laughter, to sadness, to anger, also of relief. The book is an honest portrayal of Robyn Travis who takes you on an emotion journey right from his infant years to him becoming a young man aspiring to achieve greatness. The book talks about his childhood growing of on the fringes of Hackney and Tottenham, the hard times he faced with his older brother and his mother. The transition from living in Tottenham and moving to Hackney (Holly street), the impact of the change and what was to follow as he grew up in Hackney and still had ties to people in North London. Taught from an early age to defend himself and those that he cared about, Robyn took pride in doing just that, at times he was ready to use his knife and gun to defend himself and his people, even though at times the sentiment was not returned by some of the people he called friends at the time.
Growing up in Holly Street but having gone to London field’s primary school, things got more complicated as Robyn transcended into his teenage years. Those early friendships at primary school, no longer counted as the beef between Holly Street and London fields began and took to new heights with weapons being introduced.
For me the pages seem to be turning by themselves as I found myself engrossed in the struggle as I went on this journey with Robyn. Growing up in Hackney myself I could understand and relate to some of the things he spoke about, but other times I could not imagine what he was going through.
The pain he talks about in the book would be unbearable to most, but true to himself and the will to carry on he put it upon himself never to cry or show emotion, as this could be seen as weakness. As I continued to read this book, I sometimes just paused to think, about the situation our young people find themselves and wonder if we are doing enough to break this cycle of learnt idiotic behaviour that has us burying children before they have lived. The pain of seeing mothers bury the children is not the way mature should run its course.
Robyn was a young man who did not want to fit into the stereotypical position of a drug dealer, even when times were hard, he opted to look for work and he did. Working as a cleaner in restaurant it was an escape from the realities he faced on the streets. An ambition to become a footballer and a boxer were fading as he got older. Throughout the book he had to overcome so many barriers , as things heated up between Hackney and Tottenham, at times Robyn didn’t feel safe in either side, even though he had ties on both sides.
“For me this book has an uncompromising message for all, this book is the undiluted truth to some of danger and realities young people face on the streets of London”
This book is also about social relationships he had with the people he had in his life, understanding what friendships mean when you’re a prisoner to the streets, asking yourself do I have any real friends? Also a message about betrayal, people he trusted or did not trust, overcoming months in prison In Jamaica, overcoming grief after grief, from friends who fell victim to the streets, overcoming getting stabbed numerous times and being shot at. The loss of his grandmother, the relationships he had with his brother and his mother and what he was missing by not having a father figure.
Most importantly this book is about redemption, finding a purpose in life and going for it, regardless of what struggles he went through, he managed to find a way to not let it be an excuse. That emotion inside I believe is what drives him to succeed and to become a good father for his children. The message is also about change and forgiveness how it is possible to achieve both. I will not say too much but you can get the full story if you buy and read the book.
One of the greatest gifts I was given was when I was younger was a book, to fill me with knowledge, so this is a great gift to give to your young people, words are powerful and you never know who will be affected in a positive way. So please do not just read and leave it on your bookshelves for it to catch dust, share it and keep sharing it.
Some say it is best when you learn from your own mistakes, but the brutal truth is on the streets all it can take is one mistake to destroy two sets of lives (victims and perpetrators). We cannot afford to let young people fall in too deep and make their own mistakes, when they can learn from others.
So READ READ READ and SHARE SHARE SHARE.
Prisoner to the streets by Robyn Travis.
More info http://www.prisonertothestreets.com/
By Emeka
George the poet: My City
Another great piece by George the poet, talking about the forgotten parts of the Great city of London
George the poet, ‘The olders’
Talented young poet from London, he is one of my favourite poets in the UK.
Be sure to check out his other poems, an inspiration to his peers, spreading a positive message.
I was privileged to have George perform at my book launch last year in September.
Much love and respect to this young brother.
Book Launch Review by Michael Ndebumadu
Monday the 19th of September marked a great day in the life of Emeka Egbuonu; a youth-mentor, youth football coach and now author.
On a mild evening of Monday 19th September, Emeka Egbuonu launched his debut book ‘Consequences – Breaking the Negative Cycle’.
The book launch took place at The City Arts & Music Project (The CAMP) in the city of London. It was quite an interesting evening.
It started off with an introduction from a young man named Connor Boston, who was the host. Connor Boston is someone who almost fell into the ‘negative cycle’ which the book talks about; but after a life changing event (in which someone he knew was imprisoned for 21years) he decided to make a change in his life.
The evening kicked off with poetry showcased by young & talented poets from London.
The poetry focused on some of the main issues facing youth in London youth today and the similar issues they themselves grew up with.
The poets at the book launch were prime examples that young people in London actually had something to say and could do positive things with their lives.
The poems that were performed were decorated with metaphors, which conveyed their feelings in such powerful and thought-provoking ways.
Special guests at the book launch included Local MP for Hackney South & Shoreditch, who commended Emeka Egbuonu on his work & achievement.
To summarise, the book launch was a total success, what made it even more encouraging was the attendance of his friends & family who all came to show their love and support.
People who knew Emeka came up to the front to speak about Emeka the positive influence he has had.
Seeing Emeka Egbuonu at the event and hearing of his achievements with in the community, was in itself and inspiration. He is a prime example that growing up in inner city London doesn’t stop one from achieving great things. As the evening came to an end Emeka said a few words to his audience, “It takes a village to raise a child” this was his way of thanking those who helped him through life to gain his achievements and that he may not have been able to do it without them.
One could tell that this was only the beginning for Emeka Egbuonu and that he’s on his way to bigger & brighter things.
by Michael Ndebumadu
Tottenham MP David Lammy, gets behind CONSEQUENCES.
Books such as this are crucial to understanding the issues that drive a minority of young people into the kind of lifestyles that are damaging both to them and to the rest of society. While there is never an excuse for criminal behaviour, we need to try to understand, and tackle, the background issues, such as parenting and lack of opportunities, that lead some of our young people to consider a lifestyle of crime and gang-related violence. Emeka Egbuonu’s experience in dealing with these issues is clearly visible in this interesting and well-informed book.
promo video
Patti Boulaye supports Emeka and his Consequences book
“It is no good wringing our hands whenever there is trouble on the streets. The point is to do something about it. Emeka Egbuonu has been out there helping to equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to make sensible choices and not become gang fodder or another statistic in the criminal justice system.
This book, Consequences – Breaking the Negative Cycle, helps spread the message that people should – and can – take responsibility for their actions and the consequences. When they do that, then they have the chance to realise their best dreams and ambitions.
This is a valuable insight and guide for anyone wanting to really connect with young people in Britain today.
Don’t just sit there complaining about the younger generation. Read this book to find out how to make a difference.”
Patti Boulaye – TV, West End and recording star and President of Support for Africa
Layer cake actor, Jamie Foreman endorses Emeka and his book.
I’ve played gangsters, baddies and hard men in the movies, but in real life, the tough choice that takes real courage is be able to say no when violence seems like an easy way out. Emeka Egbuonu has made it his mission in life to equip young people with the confidence and knowledge to make good choices in difficult situations. His book Consequences – Breaking the Negative Cycle is based on his real life experiences with gangs as a youth and his work since helping other young people not get sucked into violence.
This is a valuable insight from someone who tells it as is really is and doesn’t pull any punches. It’s funny, it’s dramatic – but most of all, it’s honest.
It’s no good just condemning street violence, you also have to look at why it’s happening and how to stop it – especially when British cities have been torn apart by looting and rioting. Emeka was out on the streets during the recent unrest in London, helping young people to see sense and not get involved in trouble. This book is a must-read and a practical guide for young people, parents, teachers, police and anyone with an interest in making our cities safe and creating a new generation of hope instead of alienation.
Jamie Foreman – Of EastEnders and movies – Gangster No 1, Layer Cake and Inkheart.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/2011/08/derek-branning.shtml
Book promo video
Britain’s leading criminologist endorses Consequences BNC.
Prof David Wilson
Young people generally have fast become the human equivalent of dangerous dogs in our culture, and young people who join gangs are especially seen as being somehow different, dangerous and alien. Few of us have bothered to try and understand why a young person might want to join a gang, or thereafter how we as a society might repsond to that decision and thereafter help that young person to leave the gang behind.
Written from his personal experiences of working with gangs and young people in Hackney, Emeka Egbuonu’s Consequences - Breaking the Negative Cycle fills this criminological gap, and brings fresh insight into what we all should be doing in the wake of the English riots to help young people – usually young men – bridge the gap between school and a law-abiding adulthood.
This book should be read widely – not least within the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office – because we can all learn something positive and inspiring from Emeka’s work.
Professor David Wilson, Britain’s leading criminologist, Director of the Centre for Applied Criminology at Birmingham City University and author of Looking for Laura: Public Criminology and Hot News.
About the Book Advert..
The advert is based on a quote from my book ” Walk with those who are walking because as you walk, you are already moving forward, this gives you time to talk,think,set goals and share ideas”
“Run with those who are running, because you now have your aims, as you run towards success beware of obstacles,stay focused and keep positive people around you”
“Never sit with those who are sitting …….Instead get them to move forward with you.
Big thanks you to the young actors, Babs, Connor, Eche and Michael
To Adebola for his help with filming.
Let me know what your thoughts are.
Emeka
