Could you be a Black male role model?

Black boys and young men face serious challenges in every sector of society. They are less likely to do well at school, more likely to be unemployed and much more likely to become involved in the criminal justice system than their peers and The REACH Black Role model programme is there to address just that.

There are, of course, many examples of Black boys and young men who excel at school, university and in all areas of life. But these often succeed despite, rather than because of the system.

So the challenge is on, are you up for it, do you know someone who would fit the bill?

Could you be a positive example to Black boys and young Black men?
• Does your personal journey inspire others?
• Are you willing to change negative stereotypes and share your story to motivate the next generation?

If so, you could be part of the first-ever national role model programme for Black boys and young Black men. This is a unique opportunity to act as a positive role model on the national stage and to make a real difference to future generations.

REACH is a major Government programme to raise the aspirations and achievements of young Black men. As part of this pioneering approach, we are looking for black male role models with the ability, the energy and commitment to inspire and motivate.

We aim to appoint around 20 inspirational men as national Black male role models. If you are chosen, we will expect you to support REACH events and to share your life story and experiences in a programme of national and local media and other events for at least 12 months.

Ozwald Boateng OBE is a leading tailor and designer, who has spent more than 20 years at the forefront of British fashion. He is on the REACH recruitment panel

"There is a real need to inspire young Black men and I think that can only be achieved by demonstrating Black men from different professions doing well, achieving great things in sciences or the arts or whatever it my be: I think that is going to be a powerful thing for the youth to see.

"I would encourage as many of you Black men as possible to apply."

Be part of the REACH Black role model programme and

help young black boys and men have a bright future. 

Visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/reach 

Ok we all have problems, but are they are ‘problems’? The term ‘problem(s)’ is a like a cheap get out clause. Some people crumble under different levels of 'problems' but remember one thing... ‘problems ‘are to be solved! – Simple as not if or buts.

People are like best friends when they can share problems and talk about problems, we have been programmed to relate to problems.

You switch on the TV, read the paper, search the net and the best sellers, the most engaging medium is the one with showcases problems.

It's like we want to mimic what the media shows, but at the same time feel safe. People I know either have a burning desire to do something but won't because they relate to the pit falls they see in the media or have a doomed perspective on life because in a twisted way it's comfortable.

Do away with ‘problems’ and do away with it fast and anyone who talks about ‘problems’ persistently, do away with them!

Help them yes, but you can only help so far as I said previously some people in their own twisted way are comfortable and no matter what you do or say will help, in fact they will more than likely cause you ‘problems’ and weigh you down.

So what is your problem?

Ask yourself is it a problem, is it your problem and the what hell can you do about it?

In life we face a situation, in fact we face thousands of situations in a day,  the difference is some we deal with naturally. Example:

I jump in my car and drive to my destination because I have overcome the 'problem' of not being able to drive. Now someone who cannot drive obviously this is a problem, but I can go deeper, just because I can drive I still face the problem of getting to my destination and getting back.

I can tell people of my trauma stuck in traffic and use powerful negative sentences like 'I was stuck in bloody traffic today, it was a flipping nightmare and this guy tried to cut in front of me and I just hate it' straight away I have set the tone, set the mood, the vibe and then the person who I would say that to would agree and then relate... very similar to the Weather syndrome, here in the UK the weather is gloomy and you can strike up a negative conversation  just based on the weather.

So do away with ‘problems’ and the next time you buck upon a ‘problem’ or if there is something you feel is a problem, take a step back and ask you self... what is my problem?