The recent TV series Adolescence has sparked the proverbial “national conversation” about the influence of social media on young people. (1) Typically, when the conversation revolves around a white protagonist, the issue had been addressed with empathy and sensitivity. (2) An exception is the attempt by white grievance warriors to argue that making the killer Black would have been more realistic. (3)
In truth, one way the drama mini-series more real would have been to make the victim Afrikan, given that they are the only group whose homicide rate far exceeds its proportion of the population and this has almost doubled in the last ten years. (4) In addition to this “Black men are most at risk of suicide” so clearly there is a precariousness surrounding Black life in the UK. (5)
One such example is that of young brother Ethan Nedd-Bruce who, aged 18, was shot dead in Woolwich on October 22nd 2018. Two men arrested on suspicion of murder were later released under investigation. A third man, believed to be a witness was not tracked down. Ethan’s mother, Sis. Cherie Nedd is fearful that her son’s killers will never be caught:
“Young black boys in London – nobody sees their lives as important. It tends to be the cases of young black boys, sadly, where the perpetrators are not found. “Why is that? That’s the question we have to ask. People are not up in arms about it.” (6)
Through the grief and anguish Sis. Cherie was determined to make a difference in the lives of young people so she set up The Ethan Nedd Bruce Foundation a Community Interest Company which has:
“A vision to empower young people to make choices towards ending a world of violence. To continue Ethan’s life work of entrepreneurship, building young people up and helping the youth to realise their full potential and overcome a lack of positive opportunity.” (7)
Through the promotion of holisitic wellness, mentorship, educational opportunities, and a nurturing environment, the foundation aims ”to assist victims, families, perpetrators, and the wider community in navigating the impacts of violence that affects our youth.” (8)
It is well established that the provision of youth services can steer young people away from crime, with their absence having the opposite effect. The foundation works against a backdrop of diminishing youth services, that itself is linked to an increased risk of children’s involvement in crime. Therefore, support for and investment such an initiative is vital as the community strives to develop resources that are not subject to the whims of the government’s bugetary imperatives. (9)
(1) Maira Butt (27/03/25) Netflix’s Adolescence makes TV ratings history. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/netflix-adolescence-tv-history-b2722312.html#Echobox=1742893889
(2) Jamelle Bouie (23/03/18) Racial Blindness: Violent murders in Texas and Maryland show how white killers receive more sympathy than black victims. https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/03/in-texas-and-maryland-white-killers-receive-more-sympathy-than-black-victims.html; Roberta K. Timothy (10/05/18) Are the lives of white killers more important than everyday Black folk? https://theconversation.com/are-the-lives-of-white-killers-more-important-than-everyday-black-folk-96064
(3) Estelle Uba (27/07/23) We Can’t Allow Racism To Distract From Adolescence’s Crucial Message About Toxic Masculinity. https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/adolescence-netflix-race-debate-incel-red-pill-culture
(4) Office for National Statistics (20/12/24) Victims of homicide. https://www.ethnicity-facts-figures.service.gov.uk/crime-justice-and-the-law/crime-and-reoffending/victims-of-homicide/latest/#. In spite of being 4% of the population “Black” accounted for 16.9% of homicide victims, up from 9,8% a decade earlier. “White” was 81.7% of the population and 71.4% of homicides. “Asian” 9.3% of the polulation and 7.5% of homicide victims.
(5) Natalie Morris (07/06/21) The real reason why Black men are most at risk of suicide. https://metro.co.uk/2021/06/07/a-looming-crisis-why-black-men-are-most-at-risk-of-suicide-14621250/
(6) David Mercer (07/10/21) Mother of murdered teen fears killer will never be caught – as ex-detectives reveal why some cases go unsolved. https://news.sky.com/story/mother-of-murdered-teen-fears-killer-will-never-be-caught-and-believes-police-have-prioritised-other-cases-12426625
(7) The Ethan Nedd Bruce Foundation (2025) Why We Exist. https://www.theethanneddbrucefoundation.co.uk/who-we-are
(80 Ibid.
(9) Amrit Virdi (01/03/24) Youth services funding cut linked to increased risk of children’s involvement in crime. https://www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news/youth-services-funding-cut-linked-to-increased-risk-of-childrens-involvement-in-crime/
What do our young people need?
1) Do “national conversations” help our community?
2) What is fuelling the reported homicide rate in our community?
3) Why are “Black men most at risk of suicide”?
4) How should we respond to cuts in youth services?
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 over 40 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.
Sis. Cherie Nedd: is CEO of The Ethan Nedd Bruce Foundation CIC which is dedicated to empowering young individuals aged 11 to 25 by providing pathways to mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. Established in memory of Ethan Nedd-Bruce, the foundation aims to address the challenges of violence living in London through education and holistic healing initiatives.
Central to the foundation’s mission is the ‘Diaspora Healing Retreat,’ a programme designed to connect youth with their ancestral roots, offering transformative experiences that foster community building and personal growth. By mentoring young people and offering creative opportunities within safe and supportive environments, the foundation strives to inspire, mentor, and empower the younger generation.
Through Ethan’s legacy, the foundation continues to mentor young individuals, guiding them towards healing and success.  By nurturing holistic well-being and fostering strong communities, the Ethan Nedd Bruce Foundation envisions a world where every young person can unlock their full potential and lead a life of purpose and fulfillment.
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