Richard Blackwood and a panel of high-profile speakers presented a two-hour Real Talk Seminar yesterday. The event - hosted at City of Westminster College as part of part of Youth Choices Week - was organised in association with Choice FM’s Peace on the Streets campaign.
It was a debate about the big issues, including knife and gun crime, citizens’ rights and responsibilities and ways in which young people can help make a difference in their own lives and in wider society.
Perhaps the most compelling fact to arise from the session was the impact crime has already had on students at the College. When host Richard Blackwood asked how many of his 200-strong audience had lost a friend or loved one to guns or knives almost a third raised their hand. Two of the students who spoke about their personal experiences had lost a brother.
All the guest speakers at the debate offered their own insights into the issues at stake and the ways in which young people can contribute positively to society:
Wayne Campbell, a filmmaker, described his collaboration with the mothers of victims of knife crime and his work with schools and youth organisations. He also showed his film ‘One Minute in May’, which is part of a nationwide campaign to remember these victims of violence and get young people to pledge not to carry weapons.
Claudette Tomlinson, a consultant solicitor at Birds, Wandsworth and a specialist in criminal litigation, explained citizens’ rights in relation to issues such as stop and search, and answered questions from the audience about policing and legal representation.
Sharan Jaswal, education project manager at MyBnk, outlined the philosophy behind this youth-led banking system and highlighted the importance of taking personal responsibility for saving and managing money, especially in the current economic downturn. She also explained how students can get involved in the MyBnk scheme already operating at City of Westminster College.
Acie Marshall, Member of UK Youth Parliament for Kensington & Chelsea, described how crime and violence shaped his early life in Zimbabwe. Acie, 19, who has won a place at Harvard that includes a three-year work placement at the White House, also explained how he turned his life around through education and a desire to make a difference.
Student feedback from the seminar was overwhelmingly positive – with students commenting that they were both inspired and informed by what the speakers had to say.
Richard Blackwood said: “I hope this is a catalyst for other similar events at the College. It is only when you ask the questions that are personally relevant that you can engage young people in debate.” Wayne Campbell added: it’s about talking with them, not at them.”
Acie Marshall said: “I think young people need exposure to the kind of individuals who were on today’s panel. This helps them make better decisions about their lives and enables them to see what options are out there.”
Photo taken by photography student - Antonia Kinston