Role Model Recruitment
The BBC reports that
Successful role models for young black men are to be recruited to counteract the influence of gang culture, the communities secretary has announced.Hazel Blears said four prominent figures, including entrepreneur Tim Campbell, will hunt for 20 men, such as doctors, lawyers and businessmen. She said the Black Boys’ National Role Models programme would be an “antidote to a culture of low aspiration”.
Personally I think this is a simplistic approach to a complex problem but hey it is a start. A lot of students I speak to in schools aren’t really that bothered with role models outside of their local community. A lot of black professionals who have succeeded have left areas of poverty and depression a long time ago and in many respects speak a different language.The four men who have been highlighted include Tim Campbell (Entrepreneur), Leroy Logan (Met Police), Oswald Boateng (Fashion) and Simon Wolley (Operation Black Vote). I wish them well as they continue to promote positivity but something tells me that a lot of youngsters want to relate to someone a lot closer to home and age. Something I am finding out more and more as a visit schools.Wishing them well and watching this space.
June 19, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Didn’t know you had another blog!!
This post forced me to procrastinate…
I think it is a positive start! Has there been much documentation of the process?
When working on the Respect programme- as a music mentor, bringing in a local, successful black male musician was able to inspire the young black males I worked with. He definitely was able to break it down to the kids in a language code they could relate and engage with.
I found it challenging to tackle issues of manhood/gangs with pubescent lads- I was worried I wouldn’t be taken seriously. So, having a black male figure to support what I said helped me tenfold.
I wonder whether Black Boys’ National Role Models have been able to inspire and engage their mentees? I wonder what problems they faced?