IF ONLY is a short film written and directed by Fredi ‘KRUGA’ Nwaka under his newly formed C.R.I.M.E (Creating Role Models In Media Enterprise). C.R.I.M.E works with ex offenders, gang members and troubled teens and turns their stories into short films. It teaches them all aspects of film making as well as social skills, networking and helps provide them with opportunities to further their careers in media and entertainment.
This project was funded by The Big Lottery Awards For All and was made in conjunction with Gridloc Films Ltd. Website is currently under construction and will have more info and exclusive behind the scenes pictures.
…
News of this project has reminded me of a conversation I had on Twitter earlier this year about the funding of courses/workshops aimed at black youngsters.
Several months ago reader Melissa questioned why young black people are always being pushed towards careers in media and entertainment and why funding isn’t being used to encourage them to learn a trade such as plumbing.
I always ask myself this question when I read about workshops/training schemes aimed at mainly inner city black youth that ALWAYS involve careers in the world of entertainment (usually music).
When Melissa then went on to say that the day before she came across a BBC news report featuring a man who has received funding to visit Feltham Young Offenders Institution to teach the youngsters how to rap (yes that’s right HOW TO RAP), I just shook my head and still don’t know whether to laugh, cry or cuss.
Instead of continuing to sell them a dream why not equip young offenders with real skills and qualifications?
People always seem to assume that because they are dealing with young black people that the only way to get their attention and to change lives is to talk about possible careers in the fickle, unpredictable and unstable entertainment industry and then organise activities relating to music/entertainment. E.g. a day spent in a recording studio where they get the opportunity to write rhymes, spit sixteens and produce music.
If this is something that they enjoy and they are good at it then fine, but why not also open their eyes to other career paths? What happens when the dream job in entertainment and the successful rap career doesn’t materialize – then what?
Why don’t organisations like The Big Lottery Awards For All and others ALSO make an effort to fund courses and workshops that teach young men (I am focusing on black males here) an actual trade and help them to gain qualifications that will hopefully lead to them building a strong foundation for themselves and earning a steady income for many years to come? E.g. Electrician and plumbing courses.
Why is this not being encouraged?
Electricians and plumbers are always highly sort after and make a decent living. If your central heating has broken down and your electricity circuits have blown a fuse on a cold winter’s night then you will know what I am talking about.
This group of young men could then eventually go on to run successful and lucrative firms thanks to the qualifications they have gained. I personally believe that courses/workshops of this nature along with dedicated mentors will be more beneficial to these young men in the long-term.
A friend of mine has a 16-year-old son and while his friends all managed to bag themselves work experience placements within numerous media organisations her son ended up doing his work experience with a plumber. During what he describes as being “the hardest two weeks of my entire life” he learnt how to install radiators, boilers, how to repair them and helped to install a bathroom suite. It was hard work but he now sees the value in having a trade like that as well as qualifications under his belt and is actively seeking to join an apprenticeship scheme after he completes his GCSEs.
Growing up I remember when we were constantly being pushed towards football and athletics like we were only capable of excelling in the field of sport. And the same thing seems to be happening now, only this time the focus is solely on the entertainment industry.
Anyway I wish Fredi the best of luck with his new organisation C.R.I.M.E (Creating Role Models In Media Enterprise) and hopefully it will make a difference.
*If anyone knows of any organisations that fund and run Trade (Electrician, Plumbing, Painting and Decorating etc) and Business workshops/courses aimed at teens then please let me know*
Your thoughts please….
MAD NEWS UK 
I totally agree with you. I’m fed up of the workshops for black people always being sports, dance or music, to me it’s kind of a cliche, now don’t get me wrong I’m not hating because in some cases they are really good, but young black people, boys especially need to know they can do more and getting a trade is one of them. I learnt a trade from 18-20 it wasn’t much money but it was OK because I was living at home and then when I was fully qualified I had enough to move out. On the bigger scaler of things what’s two years,especially if you are still young and living at home. I think we need more business and trade workshops because with a trade you are always guarantee to make money if not in the UK then other countries and most of these so called troublesome kids are very business minded and given something postive could easily create successful businesses.
I guarantee that those young men would enjoy the workshops if given the opportunity to attend one.
It bothers me to think that this generation will just grow up to believe that the only way to succeed in llfe is to dance, rap, sing etc. There definitely needs to be more funding being poured in to business and trade workshops as they will be beneficial to these kids and like you say if you have a good trade under your belt you can anywhere with it and always make a living.
However if they are really passionate about working in entertainment then I say go for it but just know there are other career paths out there. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
Great post, co-sign every point its is very true I always hear about “urban” music workshops etc but rarely ones where you can learn an actual trade that guarantees a steady good income.
I agree it is kinda tedious and patronising to think that all young black boys want to do is rap *sighs*
co sign…. even tho i do some of these myself…
Jan, I’m beginning to realise that organisations have no interest in funding schemes that encourage our children to think for themselves. Even sports, if its not football they’re not interested. I’m convinced these people truly believe that entertainment is in our blood and we don’t do anything to combat this. Fredi Kruga was recently looking for people who ‘look like criminals’ to join his acting agency, he obviously has an obsession with crime, and it’s these types of people who get money for their foolishness. That is indeed criminal!
I definitely cosign on this. I am happy for media focused training and I know some who do it really well, like my friend the rapper Akala. What I like about what he does though is teach history as well as using Shakespeare to enlighten young people to the breadth and depth of their language.
I would add to your list by saying why not teach more STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering and Maths). I am a regular visitor to tech events and for all the black people I know who tell me they are in IT there are very few I see as programmers, or business owners in tech.
Personally I don’t run programmes just for black students for that reason as the funding tends to be pigeon holed. However I find when I am teaching enterprise or working with sci-tech businesses I use my network to ensure that there are a fair amount of black students who will apply and be part of the courses. By any means neccessary.
I loathe the acronym and what it spells. C.R.I.M.E. crime is never cool and what is the undercurrent of such a flawed name I do not care what it stands for.
I agree with most where is the none media entertainment workshops
I completely agree with the sentiment of this piece but the thing is I think there are schemes out there that teach trades to young people but I don’t think we do enough to promote them (i.e. show them to be an attractive option) to young black men coming up. I’m personally surprised how many of these music initiatives I hear about!! I think it’s unrealistic to promote being a musician as a sole way of making a living, just ask the vast majority of musicians (i.e. not the one’s that breakthrough)!
@David- I totally agree that STEM should also be added to the list of other options and it would be good to see more qualified programmers. and business owners in tech.
@SoFrolushes – The acronym annoys me too and just leaves a nasty taste in my mouth.
@Melissa -I agree I don’t believe they have any interest in funding workshops etc that will help build solid futures.
“Fredi Kruga was recently looking for people who ‘look like criminals’ to join his acting agency”
No words Melissa… no words SMH
@BlameIt – You are right there isn’t enough being done to promote these workshops/courses but I am hoping that the post along with all your comments inspires at least one young man or woman to look in to other career paths and they then seek out organisations who offer schemes that can actually equp them with the right skills and tools to move forward in life. I hope the discussion here also forces them to question what a lot of these media/entertainment schemes are actually offering them and why.
Another thing that gets under my skin is when schools in the inner city with predominitely black pupils always organise for individuals who work in the media/entertainment world to go in and give talks. Why not also approach doctors, solicitors, barristers, surgeons, scientists etc to go in and give talks? They are out there!!!!
Several years ago during black history month I came across a tweet asking if any rappers would be interested in visiting a school to talk to the kids about Hip Hop. I sat there thinking its black history month so why not find and then contact a historian well versed in black history and ask if they would be interested in visiting the school. Why does it have to be about music?
So many damn questions…..
There are schemes out there who steer away from media and entertainment, Like http://login.acdiversity.org and as David said, Akala who is teaching kids history via music, but it would be great if those in entertainment themselves would be more positive.
Radio stations and music publications/blogs need to stop championing the artists who rap about negativity. The entertainment industry is not going anywhere, and it will always be a desirable road for kids, its about time DJs and those involved in promoting this lifestyle take some responsibility and stop allowing the label to dictate what the kids should be following.
They actually hold some power, but are being used instead of being leaders.
But are not the parents meant to help THEIR kids look for different career????
I have a teenage daughter and this my role to show her the options she has in life!
They should but some don’t bother having that conversation with their children.
@Melissa – thanks for sharing link
I have read glowing reviews about Akala’s Shakespeare project and that’s all good but what is wrong with teaching our kids the old fashioned way? I studied history at school without the help of a rapper and still enjoyed it. Why is there this need to turn to music and rappers when wanting to engage our children’s interest in education, like they are not capable of focusing and enjoying the learning experience unless a rapper walks in to the class room.
@Zeeb – unfortunately, for a lot of youngsters and for whatever reason, this is the case. Isn’t the point that the child’s interest is actually engaged in education, not the method?
Zeeb & NubiahBella, Parents in the UK are failing their children. For every well brought up,intelligent black child there are 10 whose parent(s) are too busy on road making money, raving and worrying about who their partner is cheating with to bother about their child’s education. Those kids are left at the mercy of the schools and the streets. So, although I agree with both your statements, unfortunately it is necessary for there to be initiatives, and people like Akala out here to pick those who slip through the net and hopefully save them. And there are plenty to pick up.. Sad but true.
If we have to have music artists as an incentive, i would prefer it to be the Akala or Ty or any of the intelligent rappers. Instead we get music as the ONLY incentive and bring in those who say ” i used to be in a gang now I rap and Im rich and you could be too” KMT SMH
SPOT ON!
Association by first encounter. To name his organisation C.R.I.M.E is the dumbest and stupidest move that Kruga has executed here. What it further stands for is not the issue as people do not see that first, they first see the word “crime” and then associate that word with whatever the organisation is linked to, in this case black youth in the UK. Much appreciated Kruga for putting us 360 steps backwards. Why is it that certain blacks always feel the need to follow or hover around the stereotypical path that has been propagated against us by so called white people?
I cosign with everybody here who is disgruntled at the fact that yet again we are faced with another project centered around entertainment which AGAIN has been typically aimed at the black youth. Whether knowingly or unknowingly Kruga is contributing to and perpetuating the linear thinking process amongst blacks that has been one of the main causes of our stagnation as a people. Why are we not promoting non linear, out of the box thinking towards black youth? Melissa is spot on when she states that they do not want to bring about black youth who can think and reason for themselves, this is the key, it is all about destroying the black male and keeping him in a destroyed and destitute state and position, thus unable to be a LEADER!
I said this before and I will say it again, performing in entertainment is only as good as the industry. Having a trade aswell as possessing raw skills transcends entertainment and will no doubtably be a life saver when the music and entertainment industry chips are down.
It all goes back to the mentality forged during slavery, that black people are only good for sports and entertaining others, this is why the National Lottery has no issues funding black projects specifically within these genres. However, request a grant from the National Lottery for a project aimed at black youth involving plumbing, plastering, brick laying, electrical installation, carpentry etc and you will be met with silence, the same type of silence you see in a cowboy movie when a stranger rolls into town and opens the swing doors of the local tavern.
Then of course you will no doubtably be turned down with them sighting some cruddy excuse like the project not being feasible, sustainable or economically viable long term, we already know this system when it comes to its legalistic terminology and bureaucratic nonsense.
The problem here is that most black people do not believe in themselves and their dormant potential and instead choose to follow the entertainment carrot being dangled in front of them. This is a serious problem and it has to stop. We are better than boxing, basketball, football, UFC, rapping, films and the rest of the mud that has been slung at us. The majority are blinded and will always follow, it is up to us the individuals who can think and reason for ourselves to separate ourselves from the crowd, do our own things and set our own trends.
Well said Verbs!
I wasn’t gonna leave a message as I rarely read or pay attention to a lot of these messages as most of them are negative and non-productive however, i thought i would just address a few issues. I actually agree with some of what has been said however,
C.R.I.M.E is not only about pushing young people into film/media but by using media as a tool to encourage young people to engage and excel in whatever it may be they wish. Its merely a tool that we have found works well in engaging young people. Its not just about being on the screen neither, we have some great writers and and individuals who work behind the screen. Personally, i wonder how many people that have commented have actually done ANYTHING to make a difference. Gone out into the estates to work with young people and even sat down with them to try and make a difference. How many have made a young person go to the police station and actually hand in a fire arm? Its easy to point the finger at others and criticise but look in the mirror…. what are YOU DOING??? Just a question?
For the record, the reason why my workshops are media based is I teach what I know. I totally agree that there should be more workshops on plumbing,electricians, etc but then WHERE ARE ALL THE PLUMBERS and ELECTRICIANS?? I teach and use the tools that I know.
Also C.R.I.M.E has grabbed the attention of the national media. No matter what the organisation was called i have no doubt people would have an issue of sorts. If you know about marketing then you will know how sometimes a negative can be a positive. The word CRIME is negative but draws attention which helps it turn into a positive when individuals discover what it does. The workshop we have devised are about to be administered in schools/colleges across the country which can only be a positive.
Also, in regards to CELLBLOCK39, theres a big difference between a commercial and social enterprise. Cellblock39 was looking for actors who have a particular look to fill a niche in the acting market. This was strictly business and not of community interest. Those people are exactly that…. ACTORS and so have nothing to do with this. Thats just for the person who brought that issue up.
In short, we all have an opinion and I welcome that, I just know what I am doing and have done to make a difference within our community.
If you are making a difference to, i commend you also.
I doubt i”ll get to read the replies as I came across this by accident to be honest but its all good.
PS. While your here, why not have a look at my other organisation http://www.fatherstogether.co.uk
Just something else I do to TRY help the community.
Thank you for your time.
Hi guys. I think you all have some great points. I do however agree with what Freddy or whoever wrote the note above has said, at least he is doing something in the community. We do need to teach our young people all these other important trades but then where are these people to teach them?? At least he is doing something which is more then can be said for a lot of people.
I give ratings to anyone who is doing something positive and something to better our young people.
SB
@FNwaka
I commend anyone who is thinking for our youth, but ‘at least i’m doing something’ is a cop out. Using CRIME to gain the interest of the media is just playing into their hands, its not taking control or showing them that we are not pawns. What are you really teaching the kids on the programme? Act like a criminal to get attention? We shouldn’t have to stoop this low, it just shows a lack of confidence imo.
FYI I live in Hackney, and help the youth DAILY teaching them how to form career and business plans, helping them apply to colleges, courses and university. I also help out budding actors and encourage them to learn shakespeare and get into the theatre, steering them away from any acting roles which brings them down or highlights the problems they are trying to distance themselves from. All without media attention I might add. Why is it so important for the media to know about this scheme apart from to sell tickets to your ‘movie’. I am also a publicist, i will ensure the media writes about my kids once they have succeeded.
I am a fan of Fathers Together and again i commend your commitment to helping others, but don’t tell me I have to like the constant attention seeking criminal references. After trying to discourage kids from a life of crime and get them onto a positive path, why would i then tell them to join a scheme called CRIME? My intention is to ensure the word is never in their vocabulary, what you do with this scheme is stereotype them.
Just my 2 cents
Also, there is a great organisation who encourage kids via arts & entertainment: http://www.xlp.org.uk
Personally, I don’t care what the name is, so long as its doing something positive. My son attended the workshops and to be honest I am grateful for what freddy and his team have done. I’m not going to say that my son has changed completely…yet, but he has found a new zest of life, he’s more positive and is now pursuing something he thought he couldn’t.
All this hang up about the name is minor compared to the good that has come out of it. I not only commend C.R.I.M.E but I also thank them.
Keep doing what your doing guys.