“People don’t expect young people to be armed with their own evidence.
Research gives us the ability to go out and seek a deeper meaning to the things that get presented to us.
We don’t have to accept the story presented to us in the media, by the government, or by other institutions.”
“Too many young people we work with grow up blaming themselves for the injustices they face. They internalise the negativity that is all around them and turn that violence on themselves.
We want young people to be able to grow up to be bigger and better than the stereotypes our institutions put on them. We want to see them stand tall, walk with confidence, lesser than no one.”
David Smith, Head of Research
Emmanuel Onapa, Campaigns Manager
“Our report was created to elevate the voices of those most frequently denied power and representation when it comes to public conversations around policing. The project was created to give power to those marginalised by the system...
We want to see our communities treated with dignity, respect and humanity.”
Yolanda Lear, Community Researcher
“If I stay silent, my silence is deafening. A direct injustice to my ancestors. I would feel like I’m letting down my people. But when we speak it falls on deaf ears. So how do we get heard?
If all lives do matter, can you stand with us, not against us, in the fight for equality and justice? ”
‘Account” by Infinity Agbetu, Community Researcher and Artist
CORE RESEARCH TEAM
Head of Research: David Smith
Community Researcher: Yolanda Lear
Campaigns Manager: Emmanuel Onapa
Community Researcher and Artist: Infinity Agbetu
EXTRA SUPPORT
Head of Media: Great Okosun
Resident Poet: King Ilunga
Youth Engagement: Trey Stewart
Youth Outreach: CB
Social Media Manager: Raheem Bailey
Special thanks to:
All the team at Hackney CVS
Tim Head, Account Group Project Officer
Deji Adeoshun, Youth Leadership Manager
Saqib Deshmukh, Head of Youth Programmes
All the young people at Take Back the Power and Fighting Sus. Luke Billingham, Alexandra Cox, Suzie Shepherd and Jackie Head for proofreading and comments. Etienne Joseph, Emma Winch and Hackney Archives.
All young people who contributed to the research findings. All names and identifying features have been changed.