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| David Lammy kick starts the ‘Don’t Trigger Campaign’ 2007. |
| Monday, 11 June 2007 |
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Last Thursday, 7th June David Lammy was proud to attend the launch of the ‘Don’t Trigger Campaign’ 2007 at City Hall.
The Don’t Trigger Campaign is an international anti-gun campaign devised by Urban Concepts. The aim of the campaign is to highlight the negative impact that gun crime can have on individuals, families and society. The last campaign video “Why”, featuring parents who have lost children to gun crime (2005), was screened to over 4 million people on all the major music channels and the resources are currently being used by: Amnesty International, Police service, probation service, schools, prisons, youth clubs, documentaries etc.
Urban Concepts pride themselves on the fact that they truly represent the community and this year’s campaign reflects this, with contributions from over 130 artists, writers and musicians. Under the banner of the UK United album all genres of black, ethnic and urban music are represented. As well as seven stand alone videos made available for the music channels, an added element to this year’s Don’t Trigger is delivered through a 50 minute film titled, ‘Hip Hop Opera’, a fusion of music videos, docu-film and contributions from real victims. The hard hitting tale of the tragic consequence of gun crime also has scenes of conflict resolution which is appropriate when you consider the escalation of gun crime within the black, ethnic and poor communities.
Speaking about this year’s launch David Lammy said:
“This year’s campaign could not be timelier. In a year when we have seen gun violence hit the headlines, this campaign is massively important, highlighting how we can positively tackle and challenge the causes of gun violence.
“Don’t Trigger has always been special to me because of the coalition of groups that it brings together. From cutting edge bands and MCs to youth workers; from the police to family members who have lost loved ones. This unique coalition draws strength and passion from our diverse backgrounds and outlooks, channelling our energy and creativity to push home a powerful united message.”
For the 2007 campaign many high-profile artists have given their services which include: Mothers Ballad: Jocelyn Brown, Juliet Roberts, Hil Street Soul and Jessie J Testify: Maxi Priest, Peter Hunningale, Don Campbell, Lloyd Brown, Sista, Faya, Ava Leigh, Noel Mckoy, Naomi Rose, Khy’rah Lee, Stamma Kid, Stylo-G, Lyonart, Jah Mirikle and Raghav 8 Bars Behind Bars: consists of 21 leading UK Grime MC’s Say You’re OK: Brian Temba (Lead Lion King), Bianca Gerald London: MC Skibadee and Stylo G.
These songs are part of the Don’t Trigger Hip Hop Opera launching later this year and an album UK United launching July 2007.
Once again Soul Deep opened the launch with their new song ‘Why Do You Want to Be a Gangster’. This song highlights the problem the UK has today in youth associating themselves with gang culture. The song aimed at teenage girls as well as boys is designed to stigmatise the glamour and sex appeal behind gangsterism.
David added:
“No one here today could fail to be moved by the heartfelt eulogies, the photos of lost sons and daughters, brothers and sisters clutched by all those left behind - displaying for all to see the impact of gun violence on so many young lives.
“Yet there was also a great deal of hope here today. Hope for action and hope for a future without gun violence. It was a privilege to be amongst so many committed activists, and I wish the campaign and everyone involved in it well deserved success.”
The launch also featured campaign videos from: 8 Bars Behind Bars A track featuring 21 grime MCs from all London Boroughs depicting what life behind bars is like. Mothers Ballad Sung by Jocelyn Brown, Juliet Roberts, Jessie J and Hil St Soul. The song details the pain and suffering parents face when losing a child to gang and gun crime. This track features over 30 parents from across the UK who have lost children to gun and knife crime. These parents will be attending the launch.
Keynote speakers were:
– Raymond Stevenson Urban Concepts
– Organisations that deal with gun & knife crime
– Parents who have lost children to gun and knife crime
– David Lammy MP
– Plus young people
The Don’t Trigger Campaign is funded by the Home Office, Mayor of London, Southwark Police. It is supported by Families for Peace, MAMA, Mothers Against Violence, Mothers Against Guns Nationwide, KnifeCrime.org, Amnesty International and many other partner charities.
Urban Concepts are a communications agency that devise and deliver campaigns with a social commentary ethos.
Please click here to visit the campaign's website.
Please click here to visit Don't Trigger '07 on myspace.
Please click here to see more photos of the event.
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