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.
— David Smith, Head of Research

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
David Smith, Head of Research

David Smith, Head of Research

ehimetalor-akhere-unuabona-bYAyShNxtyg-unsplash.jpg
Emmanuel Onapa, Campaigns Manager

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.
— Emmanuel Onapa, Campaigns Manager
jonathan-formento--VP_eMz6c4k-unsplash.jpg
Yolanda Lear, Community Researcher

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?
— Yolanda Lear, Community Researcher
sushil-nash-zUlUVSj-1j8-unsplash (1).jpg

‘Account” by Infinity Agbetu, Community Researcher and Artist

‘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.