This tribute was created for The Crib’s Boroughs united show 2012. Every year I am responsible for creating a
tribute to the young people who lost their lives in the previous year. Every year it never gets easier, seeing so many lost potential,
seeing so many parents bury their children, this is not the way it should be. This is just to show that they will always be remembered.
The Crib’s Trading Places workshops
is a programme which enables young people to trade places with police, Teachers, Prison wardens and older people in the community. In these sessions young people reverse roles with the chosen professionals giving the young people and the professionals the opportunity to see how they are perceived by the other. Looking at how to deal with issues both sides face on a daily basis, getting a better understanding of each other through dialogue and role playing. It builds trust and respect within the community and the organizations which work with young people.
The Crib has run these sessions with the metropolitan police for the past 10 years. Running the sessions in the local youth offending teams buildings and community centers, to help build trust and understanding for both the young people and police. It has helped to build strong relationships with young people, local SNT and community police groups. Its effectiveness shows not only in our evaluation but there is significant improvement in communication between young people and police in a number of areas we have worked in.
I remember being part of the pilot session in 2002, it was a two day session. We came into the Crib not knowing what to expect from the session, what could we possibly say to the police and what could they tell us that we will actually listen to. I was 15 at the time and to be honest all we wanted to do was to have our weekly table tennis competition.
The police arrived and they turned up in two vans, if I remember correctly there were at least 9 of them for that first session.Everyone seemed uneasy with their presence, looked more like a raid to be honest. They came with their plain clothes. The session was not how I imagined, Janette project manger for The crib had to stimulate the discussion because she could sense that none of us wanted to talk to the police. Eventually after a few games that broke the ice, we started discussing issues that affect us, this was our chance to get our voice heard and if anything would happen after this was yet to be seen. We spoke about police tactics, stop and search, profiling, stereotypes, legal rights, and the justice system. It was very interesting talking about all these things and seeing thing from a different perspective. It was all done in a respectful manner as everyone had equal say. This was then followed by role reversal role playing between us and the police. An example of a scenario we had to do was that a group of young people were hanging around on the stairwell in block on the estate, a concerned resident calls the police to come and move them along because of the noise and what looks like fighting. So now we have the scenario, we now had to act as the police who turned up to deal with the situation, and the police were acting as the young people who were only play fighting with each other and having a laugh.
As the police officers we started off with the nice approach, but the police officers acting as young people did not go easy on us, they made it extremely difficult to resolve the situation. I think they have vast experience dealing with scurrilous youth because they were doing a good job. Eventually we had to use force and make them move along.
The second day was really interesting because the police now had to come in with their full uniform and the dynamics of the session changed. There was a sense of animosity between us and the police, even though it was with the same officers from the day before. We were less interactive and there was less of dialogue between us and them.
Overall Janette was happy with how the pilot session went and it has now been going on with young people all over Hackney and Islington for the past 10 years. The aim was to help build better relations with the police and young people. The reaction over the two days has not changed much when we run the session with the current crop of Crib youth. Over the two days there is more interaction on the day when the police are not in uniform. Even with all our efforts to create better relations with the police there is still a strong sense of hate, animosity between many young people and the police.
During a post riot discussion we had, many young people condemned the looters and the arsonist. They were saying why were they destroying the own communities, some said had they been involved their anger would have been to support those who were attacking the police. One of the young people in that session said that ” if they were smart the would have organised and focussed all their energy on attacking the police instead of trying on trainers outside JD”. This is a young man that is not involved in gangs or any criminal activity, he says he is tired of fitting a description of every black boy when a crime is committed. He went on to say its not the inconvenience of being stopped but the way people look at him when he is being stopped that angers him, he says it makes him feel like a criminal and that they all have assumptions about him which in turn perpetuate stereotypes about young black males.
This is exactly why we we work hand in hand with the police and safer neighbourhood teams to make a positive difference. Seems like all it take is one significant event to erase all the hard work, nevertheless we keep TRYING!
By Emeka
A few people have been asking why I use the term ‘breaking the negative cycle’, for me this term represents everything that I do in youth work explained more clearly through my teenage experiences. Growing up in Hackney I was witness to the effect of negativity outshining all the positives in the borough. In 2001 ‘The Crib’ youth project was barely 2 years old, and the place was packed with young people from all over Hackney. Watching Janette and Karlene the founders of the Crib, taking in young people no matter how bad they were, and giving them a chance to make something of themselves impacted me. At the time being surrounded by both positive and negative people I had to filter through the mess to discover what I needed to lead my path to success. Eventually everyone dispersed, some chasing their dreams, via university, work, setting up businesses while others chose to stay or join the negative cycle.
After going away to study and returning to the area, I started working for The Crib with the set of new young people who are now part of the project. Observing them for a while, I noticed that things hadn’t changed much from my time, negativity was still rampant. Some of the young people were focusing all their energy on the wrong things, which could lead to prison or worse death.
Now with the opportunity to make a real difference, I was thinking of ways to break the negative cycle. This spurred me to start the consequences program, using knowledge I had acquired from past mentors, books and parents. Tackling issues like, youth violence, gang culture, peer pressure I created effective ways to help shape these young minds to strive for success using relevant and inspirational methods.
I aim to break the cycle of:
Doubt,
Where young people believe they cannot achieve because the fear of failure consumes and prevents them from even attempting. I remind them that “they cannot win if they do not play” Showing that you can succeed if you truly believe, and put in the hard work. I do not believe in the saying “if it was meant to be it will be” my logic is if it was meant to be then by working hard you will make it happen. When contemplating on writing my book, I was told ” do people still read, are you sure people will buy books” I refused to listen to the doubts and persisted to my aim till I accomplished it.
Excuses,
Young people constantly hear that they cannot be the best because they do not have what it takes, or that the rich have more advantages to succeed. Repeatedly informed that their history, racism, convictions, slavery, ethnicity, provide no escape route. To break this cycle we need to lead by example, like I say many times the children are watching, so we need to lead not just by what we say but by what we do. There so many reasons to explain why people use excuses to stay in the negative cycle, to overcome these barriers you need the right tools to take them down, the right mind set, knowledge and the right people around to help you move forward. You must use the negative situation and convert them into tools to push you further. Knowing my history gave me a sense of pride, knowing all the great things that were done by my dad with little or no education not by choice but by circumstances, so I had no excuse, having all this opportunities to succeed. No matter what situation you are in, you have to believe that you can come out of it, with that seed in you then, at least you have broken the cycle and can move forward with attempts to success.
Blame,
We live in a world where it is easier to blame someone else for the problems or social ills that we face. Government, police blaming parents, parents blaming the schools, young people blaming everyone. If we cannot work together, how can we expect anyone to follow suit. To break the cycle I feel everyone needs to first respect each other no matter what race, religion, class they come from., without that we have already failed. From there we can then concentrate on the real task, which is everyone concentrating on what is in their control. Before I point the finger I need to make sure that my house is in order. So government will do all they can to make sure provision and funding are available to help young people acquire jobs.
To the parents: making sure they are doing all they can to be providers and protectors, making sure they instil good values and morals, so when the time comes that child can make the right choices.
To the police: working closer with the communities to ensure that the people they are supposed to be keeping safe feel their presence in a positive way. To the young people themselves making sure that they respect those around them and get their voices heard in a more productive and positive way.
To the youth worker: providing support and being ready to help with that extra push when needed.
When everyone is doing their part no matter how small it is and we are all communicating effectively then we can break that cycle. I feel we can achieve more together when we do not blame or care who takes credit for good results.
To those who are welfare dependent and in poverty, you cannot rely on anyone to make your bad situation go away, you have to be ready to do something about it, accept help in form of welfare if needs be, not to live on but as a lifeline to get past that period of time. Hand outs will not take you out of poverty. Ultimately setting yourself with the right tools to succeed, whether that is education, investing money in business to create your own wealth and putting yourself in a position where you create jobs for others. Then we know we are breaking these negative cycles.
For me it is all about your mind set, if you are ready, the difference is between accepting the cards you are dealt or if you’re willing to strive for a new deck. So I will leave you with a story I was told not too long ago.
Two brothers were raised by their father who was a drunk, abusive, dependent on welfare and had gambling addictions. Eventually the two boys grew up totally different, one became a successful business man, the other became a carbon copy of this dad. They were asked one question, How did you end up in the situation you’re in now? They both had the exact same answer bearing in mind they both had different situations. They both said look at my father, why wouldn’t I end up like this?
The one that ended up like his dad decided that he would doubt himself, makes excuses and blame his father, this route took him into the negative cycle and if care is not taken his children will end up in that cycle.
The one that became successful had a different mind-set. He used the negative in his life and used it as an inspiration to succeed. Overcoming doubt, excuses, and blame. He had ambitions and the belief he could succeed.
So Remember to do your part to break the negative cycle.
By Emeka
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
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.
For more information on gang intervention programs visit http://www.thecrib.org.uk
For the past week there has been widespread chaos across
the country, with this comes a lot of media attention which is expected. The world is watching, even more closely because
London will host the Olympics in less than a year. People around the world want to know how the
politicians and the police will deal with the disturbances. Earlier this week David Cameron has already
been called a hypocrite by Syria’s ambassador to the United Nations. He said “To
hear the Prime Minister of England describing the riots and the rioters in
England by using the term ‘gangs’, while they don’t allow us to use the same
term for the armed groups and the terrorist groups in my country – this is
hypocrisy. This is arrogance.” As the world continues to pay close attention
on the situation the authority are working hard to put an end to the chaos.
With so many people now being arrested and charged, police work tirelessly, the
courts now have so much to deal with, working overnight to put those who are guilty
away.
Since the riots there have been many questions with
not enough answers, from the initial incident with the fatal shooting of Mark
Duggan, to what was the cause of the violence from a peaceful protest, and to
what was the cause for the widespread looting and carnage.
As soon as my friend told me that someone had been
killed by the police I told him all hell will eventually break loose. As I watched the events unfold in Tottenham all
I was thinking about was the people who had lost their homes, businesses and
about the family of Mark Duggan who are still awaiting answers. From the start there were too many speculations
and not facts in the media, people started making assumption on what they
thought had happened, others judged Mark based on what picture the media
decided to use and people started sending the wrong message by destroying their
own communities. When the riots started
spreading I was the least bit surprised, because of the speed information is
reached these days.
The day when the riots hit Hackney, I was supposed
to be doing a workshop with some young people.
Just before I left my house, I was watching the events unfold in Mare Street.
My reaction to the situation was to make sure the young people I work with at
the Crib youth project do not par take in the violence and looting. It was important because we discuss
consequences of actions on a regular basis and I wanted to make sure that they
do not make any decisions that they may later on regret. I called Michael, a young
man I work with on a regular basis to make sure he was not there, his reply was
“I have worked too hard to get to where I am now, finally working and I am not
about to throw all that away just for a few things am sure if I work hard I
will eventually get what I cannot afford”.
It was good to get that reaction from him, I could not account for all, and
because there are vast amount of young people I work with. Sadly today, I found out 1 has been arrested
for getting involved.
Seems like young people are the scapegoats to what happened,
as we all now know, there were varies types of people involved. Regardless of
the negative images of the young people who have been involved in the mayhem,
there are more young people who are keen to putting positives images to your
screens and your newspapers by achieving great things each and everyday.
While the questions continue, we here at the Crib
youth project will continue to do what we do every day which is to provide provisions
and support to young people, giving them the tools and knowledge they need to
be successful and hoping when situations arise they will use that knowledge to
make the right decisions, because only they can make it for themselves.
Am sure during the enquires about young people, promises
will be made, but we will see if all the promises are kept when the dust
settles.
For me it is simple, like my great grandma told me
in our native language Igbo, “no one person can do everything BUT everyone can
do something” which is also the same motto I use for my forthcoming book.
by Emeka
The process of going on this trip was one month in planning. The consequences workshop is project that uses different techniques to get young people involved in positive activities. We use critical thinking methods to get young people thinking. Within our workshop we discuss the effects of youth violence and gang culture. The plan now was to see if we can research on world most known areas for gangs and to find as much information as possible to help us in our workshops. The young people did research and came to the conclusion that Los Angeles was the gang capital of the world and some of their deep rooted problem are taking effect in London today. We all came back together and analysed what we had all found individually, we all had a chance to present to the group, about the main issues they were facing in LA and most importantly getting information on the gang intervention programs . The results of the research were in and everybody had an interest in the LA programs, this is when the inception for going to LA to do a documentary in comparing the differences and to find out what we can learn from them. It was now time to put a bid in for funding to see if we would get the opportunity to make this happen, which would create a new opportunity to work with young people abroad.
We all saw an opportunity to go on a trip and make a good documentary. When the approval for the trip came, the next stage was to pick who would go on the trip. This was a fair and easy process because we decided that 1 young person from each Crib project across Hackney will get an opportunity to go. The one person was decided by who had participated the most in all the workshops even before the idea for the trip was ever mentioned, This seemed like a fair way to do it and the young people were happy with it. This also allowed us to bring together young people that have never worked together before, either due to gang violence in their areas, but this was an opportunity for them to mix and create something worthwhile
When the final four young people were confirmed, we now had to start planning for the trip. I would call a meeting with them once a week to discuss plan. We divided up the task, some were in charge of calling youth organisation to see if they could accommodate us, while other looked into the visa process of travelling to the States. We had a budget of £5000 which we had to spend wisely, this was for travel, food, and accommodation. We all worked on a budget together, everyone was assigned something to do i.e. checking flight prices, accommodation prices , car rental prices, equipment for filming. The budget was drawn up and was always monitored at every step to make sure we were still within our budget.
We had to do several risk assessment to make sure that the trip would be as safe as possible. One of the things which we had on the risk assessment was that we could not interview anyone that was not part of an organisation we have contact with. We would always have a youth worker with us when in dangerous areas. We all sat down to brainstorm what risk we could have, when we found these out, we now had to minimise the risk or figure out how to eliminate that risk. This process was long but effective and had to be done.
When the trip was over, they young people had to keep a diary of their trip and their experiences. All of them learnt something from the trip, they learnt to appreciate things a bit more. They saw many people’s struggles and comparing that to what happens in London made them realise their potential. This trip made them want to spread the message of positivity even more, to help shape and guide their peer from any forms of negativity that could disrupt their lives. The confidence they gained from asking questions, interviewing people, interacting with people that they never would have met before, this has now transpired to their lives here as they are all using these new skills to make a positive impact here in London. The journey of the trip and the life experience is not something that they will forget and they are really grateful to have the opportunity to go and make something positive that they can be proud of.
by Emeka
To buy the DVD use the link below;
Stolen dreams
Series 1
Part 1
It was a Saturday afternoon, the sun was shining, and everyone was out in their summer clothes looking to absorb the heat. In a barber shop in Hackney, south of the borough, there was a huge queue today as it was Friday; many people are planning on going out tonight. Peter walked in expecting to get his hair cut straight away but was dismayed when he saw the amount of people waiting to get their hair cut. He walked up to his barber and asked him how many people ahead of him ‘there are about 6 ahead of you’ he replied. Peter took his seat, he noticed his friend James walk past the shop and ran to meet him ‘where are you off to? Looking all sharp, I see you got your Christmas clothes out, going to link a girl innit? James smiled as he pulled up his £100 Levi jeans, and dropped the Prada sunglasses from the top of his head unto his face ‘you know me man, I have this sexy chick I met yesterday, you know the routine, babes can I take you out for a drink sometime? She was all over me after that. Peter replied ‘I see your swagger is on point today, she must be sexy! Well am just here waiting to cut my hair man, the queue here is mad today. James looked into the barbershop and saw the amount of people, he was not impressed. James said to peter ‘am off call me later on, bless.
Peter decided to stay outside; the barbershop was a bit too hot for comfort. Peter was not an average sized seventeen years old; he was 5’11 in height and has muscular build. Peter was known in his area, even though he kept himself to himself these days it was not always like that. When Peter was 14 he started making a name for himself, he earned his stripes by doing things that got him respect. Around here respect it is not something you play with, you have to earn your respect and if your respect has been undermined; what you do next will be what people talk about. So around here if you were disrespected then you dealt with it with the only way people knew how, which was with violence. Around here you need to be able to take care of yourself, if not you will not survive. Some call it survival of the fittest; philosophy around here is that they are product of their environment. So at age 15 Peter was well recognised by his peers and feared by his enemies. One thing he managed to do was to keep a low profile from the police, he made sure that he never crossed paths with them.
Still outside the barbershop Peter heard a loud cheer inside, so he went in and saw that the match was about to kick off. It is August 18th first game of the season and it was Arsenal vs. Tottenham. The place was buzzing, majority of the people inside were Arsenal fans, only one barber and a customer were spurs fans. The banter had begun; it was Peter who was the ring leader for the Gooners. Peter was a real Arsenal supporter; he loved everything about the club and would not let anyone talk bad about the team, especially from Spurs fans. The animosity between him and the spurs fan was so intense, everyone could feel it. All this was taking place and the match had not even started yet. Peter shouted ‘how can you ever say that spurs are as good as Arsenal, never!’ he said his with real intent as he continued it didn’t seem like banter anymore, voices were being raised so high, you could feel the anger. The match has now started, just as Peter was about to get on the barber’s chair.
The match finished a draw and it seemed like everyone has calmed down now. Peter was not happy as Arsenal were at home and he expected them to beat spurs. The time was 7pm, Peter had a meeting with is mentor Andrew. Andrew was the person who had helped Peter transform into a new person, they have a special bond. They were both born and raised in Hackney, both had parents of mixed race. Peter was a son of a South African man who came to the UK in the early nineties, his mother was a Scottish woman and they both met in the early nineties fell in love and had Peter. Peter mum passed away when he was 13 and now only lives with his dad. Andrew his mentor had a lot in common with Peter, social background and the inability to trust people. Andrew has been there for Peter for the last two years guiding him and sharing his knowledge with him. Andrew was not much older than Peter, he was 24, successful young business man who plans to create jobs to help young people. They planned to meet at Andrew’s office not too far from the barber shop. Andrew saw him and said ‘I see you got that fresh line up, was it JJ? Peter replied with a grin ‘it has to be, I never change barbers, if JJ is away then I guess no hair cut till his back. It’s almost as bad as cheating on your wife, using another barber, hell no! Andrew started laughing uncontrollably ‘you’re too much how can you even begin to compare relationships with someone who cuts your hair. Peter replied with a serious face ‘I don’t play with my hair you know; me and my barber have a monogamous relationship at least I do with him as he sees so many other people. Andrew shouted ‘stop stop you’re killing me’. ‘All jokes aside peter how have you been? It’s been a while since we last met because of my business trips’. Peter replied with a disappointed tone to his voice ‘it’s been alright, the work load was too much just before the summer started, but am into my last year in September; then it’s off to university to study medicine. To tell you the truth Andrew I cannot wait to go away, I feel like am constantly being distracted here. I know the road to becoming a doctor is a long and hard one but the distraction sometimes is too much. Andrew looked at him like a proud big brother, he was really happy with the improvements he had made over the last two years. Listen to me carefully Peter ‘do you remember the first thing you said to me when we first met?’ Thinking back rolling his eyes Peter replied ‘yes’ but he was not quite sure. Andrew reminded him ‘when we first met you said to me; what was the point of having potential if the people around you in education are doing all they can to suppress that. I then said to you that you must first realise you personal worth, because only you can blow your own horn they way you want it blown, you have to change the way people think by doing with your actions, that is the best thing you can do. So being distracted is part of your journey to success, is how you deal with those distraction that make the difference.’
Andrew first met Peter when he was known as Snake on the street. Everyone called him snake because he was tactical, sly and can put fear in those around him. At age 15 he was making so much money by doing whatever seems fit, whether it was drugs, robberies as long as the money was coming in that is all that mattered. Andrew met him at a local youth project were they first had their conversation, instantly Andrew knew that Peter was destined for more than just a life on the streets. He gradually made head way in terms of communication and getting him to open up. At that point Peter was on the verge of going to prison, he and his boys were planning a robbery, on route to this robbery Andrew saw Peter; they spoke briefly. As that was happening his friends has already been stopped in the car, which was filled with guns and baseball bats. They all went down; all sentences to 5 years each. That brief conversation, unintentionally help keep Peter out of prison. From that day on he used it as a sign to try do better, with the guidance of his mentor his on track to achieving his dream which is to be a doctor.
Andrew said to Peter ‘You have a gift and talent to do so much good for yourself and for the people around you. I was not academically gifted like you, but I knew I had to find a way to support myself and to achieve something great. I have always been a business man, when I was in school my parents could not afford to give me pocket money, so I used my own initiative and started up business in school, I sold cookies to those not allowed out at lunch time, I sold mix Cd’s for those that loved music. I even had a hire service as a bodyguard for other student who were vulnerable. So you see with determination and the right people around you, you can achieve your greatness despite all the negativity around you.
That same evening, the sun rays were finally disappearing and a light breeze was blowing. After his meeting, Peter was walking towards his house when he noticed a car circling twice, unsure of what to make of it he takes a detour through an alley where cars cannot go through. The alley way was disgusting, condoms all over the floor, needles from the crack addicts, graffiti all over the place and the smell was horrifying. Peter could not stand the smell so he started jogging, as he came out the dark alley way he saw James, Jason and some of the younger ones from the area. He approached them and said ‘have you noticed a black car, tinted out circling the endz? ‘Nah we’ve all been jamming here’ James replied. ‘Ok, I saw them over and over again, something did not look right. Anyway how was your linkage with that girl you was talking about? James with a fat grin on his face replied how you think it went? She couldn’t resist my game, we didn’t even make it out of her house to go cinema, indoor session if you know what I mean. Peter clenched his fist and gave him a spud saying ‘my man, always on point’. James asked Peter ‘where are you coming from? Peter hesitant with his reply said ‘I am coming from a meeting with Andrew. ‘Again?’ James shouted ‘man seems like you are always with that dude’ Well his been helping me with a few things’ Peter replied.
Peter walked off towards his flat. Jason looked at Peter as he walked away, shaking his head ‘what’s up with that guy? Back in the day I heard he had mad juice now his on this education ting’ James replied ‘things change people change, we both have an understanding, back then, me and Snake aka Peter we use to run this area. We had shit on lock; even men that were older than us could not touch us.’ With a bewildered look to his face Jason also known as Jagz to his friends asked him so what happened since then?’ James had a remorseful look on his face ‘well after we nearly went prison, Peter had a change of heart he started talking all this we need to do more with ourselves nonsense, it got fuelled when he met this Andrew character that has been mentoring him. We stopped talking for a while because I was still on the roads doing what I know best and he was now on this righteous path. Eventually we made up, but agreed that we would never try and persuade each other to do things, so basically he could not try get me to come join him or preach to me about all that system is fucked blah blah blah, and I wouldn’t try get him to come back to the roads.’ Jason shook his head with a better understanding now, everyone respected Peter based on his past but not all understood the drastic u turn he made in such a short space of time.
James; Big J as he would like to be called was now running things in their area. Big J was also 17, tall well over 6 feet, towered over most; he was the son two St Lucian parents. Both his parents were second generation Windrush. His grandparents arrived in Britain in 1948, both still alive and have a big impact on his life. James has a stable home, where both parents are still together, they make and honest living and try their best for their children. James is the second born, his older is sister is now married with kids and lives with her husband.
Big J wanted and demanded respect from all around him, he was not good with authority figures, and this is why he has been kicked out of all the schools he has been in. Big J does not really like to get his hands dirty, that is why he has a small army of young boys, who are eager to get their stripes. James told Jagz to round up some of the younger ones because he had a move (job) for them.
The day was finally over, after a hot day, now the weather is humid and sticky. Peter walked in to his flat, situated on the 6 floor, a council flat amongst many around it. Their home was very small, a 2 bedroom flat, in Peter’s bedroom you could barely fit a single bed in there. The whole flat lacked a woman’s touch, the walls were all the same colour Magnolia cream was the theme around the house. The television in the sitting room was still a CRT set, not able to afford a flat screen. The cupboards in the kitchen were all falling apart, the carpet was old and filthy. Peter walked in and shouted ‘Dad; you home? No answer, he walked straight to the bathroom to get cleaned up. Singing to himself ‘it’s defiantly a cold shower for me, for me. The front door slammed shut, dad was home ‘Peter stop with the singing hurry up and get out, I feel so dirty after that 12 hour shift’. Peter with an embarrassing laugh replied ‘yes pops soon come’. When Peter got out of the shower, he went to the sitting room to go and greet his dad properly, his dad was already asleep.
Mr Vincent Mendel; Peters dad was an ambitious man, determined to make it and live a life of financial freedom. A year before his wife died from cancer, he had plans to move the family to a bigger house and to start a new business, after all, he has been saving ever since he came to the UK in the early 90’s. With the loss of his wife things took a serious turn for the worse. Peter lost control, joined gangs, committed crimes, he had no control over his family anymore, and the vision he once had was now evaporating. After a few years things got better, Peter was now on a path to becoming a doctor; he hoped that he would be the first in his family line to have a degree. Mr Mendel eventually started his business, he used up all the money he had saved up to start up this business, all he had was in this venture.
With the economic climate changing rapidly, his consultancy business folded within the first year. Mr Mendel was a firm believer in taking risk, but this was a risk too far as he has lost everything. Now he works 6days a week as security guard for a consultancy company, the irony!
As Peter tapped his dad to wake him up so he can have his shower. It was not really a shower to say, it was more like two buckets and a cup to rinse the soap off. Times were hard for the Mendel’s, but they both knew nothing would happen if all they did was to feel sorry for themselves. Mr Mendel eventually woke up, got cleaned up and went straight to bed, because he had another 12hour shift, which meant he had to be up by 5am.
Peter; before he went to bed got on the laptop to make sure his CV was up to date. Peter has been looking for work since college closed for the summer. He wants to make some money to help his dad with the bills, plus to have some money for himself in case anything came up.
The weekend was over, Peter woke up early, today was the day he thought he would get a job or at least an interview. Brushed his teeth, got ready and headed out. Monday morning, some would call it the worst time of the week, getting ready to go back to work. The weather was gloomy, as if it was going to rain today, ‘typical English weather, and it is meant to be summer’ Peter was moaning to himself. Walking through his estate, it was the same old routine, the council contracted cleaners were cleaning the blocks, and the rubbish men would come at the exact same time. Seems like nothing changes around here, people get use to the jobs they have and stick with it. Peter wanted more from his life, he has seen the struggling his dad has gone through and wants to break that cycle. Old street station; so many people rushing to catch the tube most of them all heading for the northern line. As Peter squeezed past to get a seat, someone else got there first, so now everyone is squashed like sardines just gasping for some air, the body heat is intense. Most people on the train trying to avoid eye contact with each other, Peter took a good look around, what he saw was working professional looking depressed as they go into work. Most looking worn out already and it is only Monday morning. Peter looked to his left, looked to his right, no one looked happy at all, thinking to himself that he does not want to be in these people shoes one day. Finally Tottenham court road station, Peter was now at his destination, eager and ready to hand out his CV.
The day is almost coming to an end, with the rain drizzling, Peter headed back to his area, and he had one more stop before he was done for the day. Walking through his estate, he saw Jagz, James’s right hand man. Jagz was what they called British beef, he was 17, white, former boxer, about 5’9 in height but stocky. Jagz had a boy from another area pinned to the wall, as he robbed him; he started punching the boy in his face, repeatedly without remorse. ‘Hey!’ shouted Peter as he walked up to Jagz ‘what the heck do you think you are doing?’ he asked with his voice cracking with anger ‘none of your fucking business, now keep it moving’ Jagz replied with an arrogant tone. Jagz was robbing the boy because he was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time, he also felt like he could and no one could do anything to stop him. Peter demanded that Jagz give the things back to the boy, ‘give him back his things’ Peter asked politely, Jagz looked at his face and started laughing, ‘you fucking having a bubble, get the fuck out of here, listen I don’t know who you think you are, but out of respect for Big J an gonna let that slide’. Jagz walked off with the boy’s belongings laughing his head off, the young lad walked off shaking his head, and he had fire in his eyes.
Peter made his way to the job centre, looking lost, he asked the security guard ‘I need help finding a job, I was wondering if you can point to the right direction,’ security guard replied with a deep African accent ‘to find work, you must use the machines to search for jobs, only if you are signing on can you see an assistant.’ ‘Ok thanks,’ Peter replied. As he was using the machine, a soft voice from behind him asked him ‘are you alright there? Peter was just about to say fine thanks, but then he looked up and saw her face, she was beautiful, young, dark chocolate brown. Peter was instantly attracted to her. ‘Am not too sure if I am using it right’ he replied with a gentle voice, more gentle than usual. She smiled at him and showed him how to do a local job search and a job search for other areas as well. After the job search the two spent some time talking to each other, nothing but smiles and flirting, from a distance anyone looking would think that they were together. Peter remembering what James had told him that weekend, he thought he might try his luck, ‘can I take you out for a drink sometime? Actually maybe not a drink, even though I would like to but as you can see I am looking for work at the moment’. After hesitating to get his words out she finally stopped him and said ‘it doesn’t matter what we do, take my number and give me a call. I need to get back to work before I join you in unemployment.’ Peter laughed, with a sigh of relief ‘oh ok you got jokes, I didn’t get your name?’ Michelle! She shouted as she walked away. Peter walking out with a big smile on his face, the security looked at him and said ‘I see you did not get a job, but what you got instead is not bad either,’ Peter winked at him and walked out.
Back in the estates, Peter was approaching James and Jagz. James walked up to him, he looked angry, asked Peter to join him for a walk. ‘What the hell happened today, Jagz told me that you were getting involved in our business.’ James said this with real anger in his voice, Peter replied, calm saying ‘look he was robbing a boy no older than 13, in the estate, listen we said that we would not do any dirt in our back yard, I saw it and didn’t like it so I tried to stop it’ James clenching his fist shouted ‘you didn’t like it, you didn’t like it! I thought we agreed to stay out of each other business; I didn’t like the fact that you stopped jamming with your boys and wen on some righteous path, but we let you do you. So don’t get involved again, your choice to get out the game so stay out’ Peter replied ‘fine’. The friendship between the two has never been the same ever since they both went their own ways, but the both still had mad love for each other. After all the shouting and insults, Peter told him about the girl from the Jobcentre.
As they were walking back towards where Jagz and the rest were standing, they heard screaming, loud screaming. Jagz came running around the corner, shouting ‘MOVE OFF, HIS GOT A STRAP’ without hesitation, both turned around, and all they could hear were rounds letting off. The shooter was on foot; he had a motorcycle helmet on and just kept shooting. Eventually the shooting stopped, Jagz was long gone, but Peter and James were both on the floor, there was blood everywhere. Peter looked at himself to make sure it wasn’t him; he saw that James was not moving. James had been shot in the back and on his leg. Frantic cries of help, were being shouted by those who witnesses the shooting, Peter, full of James’s blood, sweating, he could barely talk. James was drifting in and out of consciousness. ‘Someone please help me’ he shouted………….
To be continued………….
What do you think happens next?
Have your say.
A few people have been asking about the meaning of the front cover and how the idea for it came along. There are two main reasons that inspired the front cover. One of the things that inspired the concept of the cover was my time in secondary school, one of my mentors gave me some important advice that I have not forgotten. His name was Mr Richards; he was one of the few people that I actually looked up to at that period. One day we were both having a discussion about ambition, progression to success and making mistakes. He told me that everyone deserves the chance to make something of themselves, but with that comes hard work and determination to succeed even against all odds. He carried on by saying along the way you are guaranteed to have obstacles in your way, but you have to be ready and willing to overcome them. As your journey continues you have to be open to receive knowledge from those who have come before you and to their wisdom to learn from their mistakes because this can save you time in your journey to success.
The second reason was based on my sessions with the young people. I have been running these workshops for 2years now and one thing that remains constant is the fact that young people are enthusiastic in learning from each other, sometimes it proves to be more effective than when we give the same teachings as adults. The process of passing knowledge, experiences, aspirations these are important steps to take because it keeps you moving forward. The most important is learning by action, being around people who are doing rather than all talk and no action.
Going onto the cover and how it fits with the two things I mentioned above. The young man on the left is ready and willing to do what it takes to succeed, he has decided that he needs help, support, and motivation. The glass in the middle represents all the negative barriers, cycles that he faces day in day out in his life (regardless of the obstacle he is ready to face it head on). Through his determination his is able to break that negative stronghold withholding him and his potential. The young man on the right represents a fellow peer, who has come from similar circumstances and has already smashed down those barriers. He using the power of sharing knowledge we show this by the book in his hands, he is now willing to give that to someone who else so that the he too can pursue success.
The words on the lower half are all the positive words that are constantly coming up in our sessions.
THESE ARE THE WORDS THAT KEEP THE BARRIERS BROKEN
“I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education, and culture for their minds, dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits”
Dr Martin Luther King Jr
