This project has taught me that I can do more than I think I can do. I can read and speak better than I thought I could.”
Year 10, Oasis Academy
Project timeline of events:
Week 1
Following three initial workshop sessions, we settled on a podcast project and began discussing topic ideas.
Week 2
The boys researched the topics, gaining valuable insight and became better informed before recording began.
Week 3
The boys interviewed two special guests for their Black boys in Education episode: Professor Gus John and Brianna Cyrus.
Week 4
In Week four, the boys conducted a debate around their own experiences within the education system.
Week 5
In the next topic; Black boys in film. The boys were able to interview Trevor Ettiene, a Hollywood actor.
Week 6
Another debate took place; around the perception of Black boys in media, and if shows such as ‘Top Boy’ are an accurate reflection of reality.
Week 7
The boys were introduced to the tragic New Cross Fire, watching videos and listening to witness statements and conducted research into the Black Lives Matter movement.
Week 8
A dramatised recreation of the New Cross Fire was recorded, along with another interview with Professor Gus John.
Week 9 &10
These sessions were used to tie up any loose ends and to finalise the recording process.
A podcast BY YOUNG BLACK MEN
As part of generous funding from the Mayor of London’s New Deal for Young People, Routes2Success has been able to expand our work in London secondary schools to run special, expert-led race equality action projects. The second of these was held with Year 10 boys from Oasis Academy in Enfield, in partnership with expert role-model, Hepburn Harrison Graham.
Over 8 weeks, starting in January 2024, Routes2Success worked closely with a group of boys who had been identified as exhibiting early signs of leadership, communication and teamwork skills that could be built upon through the project.
They decided their Race Equality Action Project (REAP) would be a podcast called A Question of Colour.
They started out by identifying negative stereotypes that exist around young Black boys both in school and outside, which lay the foundations for the topics of discussion in the podcast.
It was imperative for the boys to identify these stereotypes, not just for the content of the podcast, but also to give them a greater understanding of how the world around them may have preconceived ideas about who they are.
This was a message that Routes2Success was keen to explore because, by becoming aware of these stereotypes, the young men could then learn how to avoid falling under them.
The REAP at Oasis Hadley Academy saw a group of shy boys grow into a group that could lead their own discussions on issues that some may view as “too complex” for boys of their race and age.
The success of the podcast serves as a testament to their dedication and the transformative power of engaging in critical conversations about their identities and experiences.”
Hepburn Harrison-Graham, expert-role model
This REAP exemplifies the magnificent things that young people can achieve once you give them a feeling of empowerment and give them an opportunity to prove themselves.
By Liam Campbell, Local Project Engagement Officer
Listen episodes, as they’re released, on our Soundcloud or Spotify!
We’re always looking for volunteers with skills and experience to lead similar projects such as this. Get in touch with us at hello@Actionforraceequality.org.uk or register your interest below!