Inspiring Young People: David Lammy attends the Woodson Barrow Mentoring Luncheon.
Sunday, 14 October 2007
Yesterday, David Lammy was proud to be asked to be the keynote speaker at the inaugural Woodson Barrow Luncheon at Canary Wharf.
The luncheon was designed to make a reality of that often talked about idea that there needs to be more mentoring by positive role models for black young people. It brought together role models from the world of politics, business, sport and voluntary organisations, alongside motivational speakers to stimulate and inspire an invited group of young people.
The event was named after, and dedicated to Carter G. Woodson, ‘The Father of Black History’, and his widow, Dame Jocelyn Barrow OBE was present to co-host the event with Ken Barnes, the founder of C-A-N-I, a leading social enterprise in the field of training and skills development.
Ken believes that the Woodson Barrow Luncheon and activities like this can change the life of young people. He said: “The question that should be on everyone’s lips is not – what are they doing? Or what are we doing? But what am I doing? Then the talking should stop and be followed by, but then who really cares?”
On the day, David Lammy made a speech about the importance of role models, exploring the impact of friends and colleagues in helping people to achieve, and touching on those who had helped him. He took on some of the negative stereotypes commonly used by the media and encouraged people to take their own path. David also spoke about how he became successful, stressing that he strives to be defined by his actions, rather than his title:
“I don’t want to be defined by the letters after my name and neither do you”.
Below is a short film created by the organisers of the event, however, it can only give a small flavour of the impact the event had on those that attended.
Ken Barnes summed up the luncheon by saying:
“As the 21st century unfolds, OUR children stand at crossroads within the education system and the threats they face have ushered in challenges we haven’t even begun to address.
“However, it is not the magnitude of their problems that concerns me most, but the smallness of the efforts of those of us who are well placed to help.
“I would like to thank the sponsors, supporters and role models who have been exceptional in their contribution of personal time and/ or funds to help bring fundamental changes in the way our community work together and provide support links for our children. Without their collective contributions the Woodson Barrow Luncheon could not happen… for this I am very grateful to them.
“Fighting for change is never easy - it requires the steadfast commitment of people who care enough to get involved. With energy and dedication behind us, there’s no limit to what OUR campaign and our children can achieve in the years to come.
“Together, I know that we can help OUR children to take advantage of the boundless opportunities that’s around them, to build a better future.
“I would like to extend a big thank you to these companies, organisations and individuals for their support and sponsorship;
• East Thames
• Genie Properties
• Connextions Lewisham
• LD Properties
• Eastside Leadership Academy
• Roger Green
• Roundside Properties
• TMC Corporate Finance
• Margaret Adams
• Rene Carayol
• MBPA
• Stoke Newington Police Station
“Also heartfelt thanks again also goes out to the individuals who took up the call to become CEI's (Concerned Enough Individuals).
“The list of CEI's are as follows;
• David Lammy MP
• Margaret Adams
• Lloyd Dixon
• Sheldon St. Clair
• Tony Grant
• Salsanomics
• Tony Walker
• Sophia Bramble
• Toyin Dania
• Neil Green
• Paulette West
• The Greenwich Learning Lunchers
“The planning for next year has already started. I look forward to 2008 being and even more inspiring event.”
