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City College student raps against racism on ITV
18 May 2010
Jamal Ali (18) an IT student from City College Brighton and Hove, is using rap to speak out against racism with 'What is Race?', a trio he's formed with friends Lewis Healey (19) and Mrisi Makondo-Wills (17). The three teenagers are from different backgrounds, cultures and religions but this hasn't stopped them coming together to rap about racism and diversity for ITV Fixers. ITV Fixers with vinspired.com is a major campaign created by the Public Service Broadcasting Trust, giving young people between the ages of 16-25 the opportunity to tackle any issue that they feel strongly about. What they choose to do is up to them as long as it benefits at least one other person.
Jamal, Lewis and Mrisi have written and recorded a track also called 'What Is Race?' in which they each draw upon their own experiences of racial discrimination to challenge the listener to define race. Their ITV Fixers project has been to produce a music video for the song to take into local youth centres as part of a presentation on diversity. ITV Fixers have also made a news feature about the Fix, which will be broadcast on ITV Meridian Tonight on the 28th May.
What is Race?
Jamal, who sings the first verse, is from an African Arab background; the second verse is rapped by Mrisi, who is mixed race African and British; and Lewis, who sings the last verse, has faced hostility from other rappers because he is white British. All three have personally experienced racism, ranging from mistrust to physical violence. Jamal says:
'The track is a message against racism to teenagers and young kids to give them an idea that racism is a bad thing and that we're all equal. We can show people what's happening in Britain and that racism is still around. We want to send out a positive message against racism.'
Despite Jamal feeling that racism remains a problem in the UK, he says that his experience of life at City College proves that multiculturalism works:
'There are many different people from different places at City College and you don't see a lot of racism. People from different cultures seem to get along at the College because we're all here to learn and exchange ideas.'
For media enquiries, please call Brian Bell, Marketing Communications Officer, on 01273 667788 Ext. 488 or email bb1@ccb.ac.uk website www.ccb.ac.uk
About City College Brighton and Hove: Situated in the heart of Brighton, City College Brighton and Hove has become an international centre of vocational excellence. Every year 2,000 full-time, 10,000 part time, over 500 Higher Education and 250 14-16 year old students as well as many international and European students choose City College as their place of further and higher education training. In addition, the College provides training to over 2,000 businesses via its 'City Business Skills' department which focuses on employer training needs. Offering over 700 courses from basic level right through to business and postgraduate training, City College is working with its partners to develop the workforce of the future.
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