Linda Creed’s lyrics to The Greatest Love Of All, first recorded by George Benson in 1977 begin:
“I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be.”
They contain sentiments that have resonated throughout generations. However, when assessing the challenges facing young Afrikan people in the UK, they may be forgiven for thinking that the opposite is the case.
Indeed, we see that “Black working-class youth are criminalised and excluded in the English school system” as well as on the streets. (1) Even when they “successfully” negotiate the education system they are still confronted with the ‘ethnic penalty’ in the workplace, blighting career opportunities. (2) Underpinning this is pervasive impact that racism has on mental health. (3)
A new service grounded in liberation activism has emerged to support our young people from a family-centered perspective. Jegna Family Support Services, founded by Bro. Omowale Quow seeks to assist our young people with a range of initiatives, including:
Youth Mentoring: (including those with special needs,)
Counselling Services: (Talking therapy for families and individuals including Couple Counselling)
Parenting Practitioners: (Individual support and parenting programmes)
Pupil Advocacy: (Representing children and families discriminated in or excluded from education.)
Community Radio/TV Broadcasting: Creating platforms for individuals, groups, organisations, and individuals who support young people and creating.
Black History: (On and Off-line Courses, Workshops & Presentations for Educational Institutions, individuals, groups, and organisations)
Saturday School: (Supporting, informing, and placing families who wish to attend our School or any other community Saturday School.)
Academic Support: (Private on and off-line Tuition in Maths up to GCSE)
They have their launch event on Umoja-day (Sun) 19/11/23 on the theme “Let’s Talk About Sex” with the subtitle “Honouring and respecting our Bodies.”
Bro. Omowale states:
“The event is youth led and will hopefully be one of a series of events around the important matter of sexual health in young people. The objective is for young people to recognise and elevate their regality as Princes and Princesses.”
The launch will be held at the Jason Roberts Centre, Bridgestone Arena, Hillside, Harlesden NW10. Car Park, Milton Avenue NW10 8PP (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lets-talk-about-sex-honouring-and-respecting-our-bodies-tickets-744728221157?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1).
(1) Jessica Perera (2020) How Black Working-Class Youth are Criminalised and Excluded in the English School System. https://irr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/How-Black-Working-Class-Youth-are-Criminalised-and-Excluded-in-the-English-School-System.pdf; Vikram Dodd (19/10/23) Met rammed boy, 13, playing with water pistol off bike and pointed guns at him. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/oct/19/met-rammed-boy-13-playing-with-water-pistol-off-bike-and-pointed-guns-at-him
(2) Matt Ford (02/10/14) Employment and the ‘ethnic penalty.’ https://www.crimeandjustice.org.uk/resources/employment-and-ethnic-penalty
(3) Sinai Fleary (16/02/23) ‘We need urgent action on Black mental health’. https://www.voice-online.co.uk/news/2023/02/16/we-need-urgent-action-on-black-mental-health/
So tonight we ask the question:
What support do our young people need?
1) Do we act live our children are the future?
2) Have we “taught them well to let them lead the way”?
3) What are the main sexual health issues facing our young people?
4) What are the consequences of not supporting our young people adequately?
Our Special Guests:
Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement and an Afrikan-Centred Education Consultant. Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of almost 40 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.
Bro. Omowale Quow: is a long standing freedom fighter who is a foundation member and part of the leadership of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement. He is also Chief Officer of ARM’s Economics Department and maths teacher in its Imani-day school. Bro. Omowale has been host of Afrika Speaks with Alkebu-Lan since its inception in 2006. He has now founded Jegna Family Support Services, with the motto “Bring the family back.” Their launch event takes place on November 19th.
Sis. Patricia Wharton: is an organiser and activist that has spent over 30 years of her professional career supporting children and families including with issues like Social and school Exclusions, self-harming, depression and other challenges. She is also a freelance Parenting Practitioner offering Parenting Seminars workshops and courses, including running programmes in prison. Sis. Patricia organises community events and initiatiatives on a range of issues including, arts, culture and health and is the presenter for ‘The Let’s Talk Show’ on Chalkhill Community Radio Station.
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