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PowerList 2008
potential and recommended that these be to inspire young black men and I think that
tackled together to bring about the changes can only be achieved by demonstrating
that are needed. Alongside the role modelling how different black men from similar
programme, the government is taking steps backgrounds are doing well in all kinds of
on all the recommendations, including work different professions. That is going to be a
in schools to tackle underachievement, powerful thing for young people to see.’
strengthen the reporting and monitoring Director of Operation Black Vote,
of race equality and better engaging black Simon Wooley, said: ‘To be a role model is
parents along with more work to support a privilege, to inspire a young generation
black-led voluntary organisations – it is to achieve the best of their abilities. It
often these organisations that are working means you have given something back to
most closely with young black men at risk the community and they in turn can enrich
of dropping out. lives.
Following an open competition, at least ‘To have role models is the key to
20 national role models are now in the success. For me, my first and foremost
process of being selected by an independent inspiration was my mother as she
panel comprising fashion designer and believed in me. Dr Martin Luther King and
businessman Ozwald Boateng, entrepreneur Muhammad Ali are two other positive role
Tim Campbell, founder and Director of models who moved black people with their
Operation Black Vote Simon Woolley and heartfelt oratory. The essential qualities
these people possess is the desire to help
and guide people.
‘REACH is a unique opportunity
‘Often a good role model is someone
who doesn’t necessarily see themselves
to mobilise communities and
in this position; they are quietly achieving
success either at home, in the community
co-ordinate them nationally to
or in business.
‘But we should celebrate this, the REACH
offset the impact of negative
national role model campaign has sought
to find the champions in our community
and the people joining the scheme will
role models’
have demonstrated how they can inspire
the younger generation to achieve the best
of their abilities.’
Metropolitan Police Superintendent Leroy figures such as Martin Luther King Jnr,
Logan, along with four young black men. Muhammad Ali, Mary Secole, Maya Angelou
Once appointed, the national role models and Nelson Mandela, to name but a few.
will share their stories in a variety of ways, ‘Good role models are people with
including events and visits to meet with determination, a good work ethic, who are
young black men across the country. This willing to graft and work hard, maintaining a
will be community led, but might include focus on their positive vision, with good
schools, youth clubs and young offender communication skills and wanting to invest
institutes. As well as these specific visits, their time into the lives of others that need
the message and stories of the role models their help.’
will be amplified through use of podcasts, Entrepreneur Tim Campbell is equally
web chats and wider media activity. optimistic: ‘The REACH role modelling
Leroy Logan, a Superintendent in the project has massive potential to change the
Metropolitan Police, said: ‘REACH is a way that our community addresses some
unique opportunity to mobilise communities of the issues around young black men’s
and co-ordinate them nationally to offset underachievement.
the impact of negative role models and ‘We will appoint people that can
celebrate those unsung heroes / heroines really connect with and inspire the
who tirelessly work for their communities. next generation to get on and do more.
‘I became involved in REACH to assist We have a real opportunity here to get
in leaving a legacy for future generations voluntary organisations, the government
to build on. To ensure people realise the and individuals working together to tackle
importance of role models, not just high- these issues head on.’
profile personalities from the arts and Fashion designer Ozwald Boateng
sports but parents, guardians, teachers, commented: ‘I’m really glad to be part of
public figures. the REACH programme. There is a real need
‘My inspirations have been my parents,
my music teacher, fellow students and Leroy Logan (above) and simon wooley
friends aspiring for significance, high-profile (right) are both on the panel
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