“The life I was surrounded by was either the first step into prison or worse.”
Isaac George aka Truth is one of 13 winners of the National Black History Wales Youth Awards on Thursday at Senedd.
He is a performer and stands alongside caregivers, activists and community leaders who have also made a difference.
These young people of African and Caribbean descent were all nominated by their peers.
This is the fifth year of the awards, which are organized by Race Council Cymru with the support and funding of the Arts Council of Wales and the Welsh Government.
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Isaac George aka Truth, 19, from Newport, Pillgwenlly, has received a performing arts award for his positive work in music and community mentoring other young people.
“It’s nice to get recognition from other people, to see the work I do,” he said after receiving the award. “That’s the motivation for me, I feel like the eyes are watching me.
“To the younger people… I want to try to inspire people and just tell them not to give up because hard work pays off,” he added.
As part of a community project, Isaac was responsible for writing a series of songs that will be included in a music production to raise awareness of the challenges young people face such as mental health, discrimination, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, Gang culture and stabbing
He said: “It was 2016 when I discovered my interest in writing lyrics and learning the basics of rap.
“Now it’s something I could never give up, no matter how much I wanted it.
“I grew up in an environment where poverty, bad influences and peer pressure can keep you from opportunity; That’s why I thank God for those I’ve met on my journey and for the opportunities I’ve been given by and with you.
“I realized very quickly that the life I was surrounded by was either the first step into prison or worse. Regret can be avoided if I stick to what I enjoy and help the people who helped me.
“Personally, music has always been about expressing your true feelings and the power of freedom of expression, so it’s nice to know that the lyrics I write are being heard by someone at the age I’m what I appreciate and who can appreciate or agree with it from the perspective I come from.”
Theresa Ofure Ogbekhiulu, 23, lives in Swansea and is an MSc student in Social Research Methods and Senior Project Advisor (Race Equality/EDI) at Swansea University.
Nominated in three categories, she won the award for outstanding academic achievement. She leads the Race Action Plan at Swansea University and initiatives that promote awareness of racial equality issues and a culture of inclusion.
She said: “Through my work and research, I shed light on the experiences of black students within academia by examining pedagogical practices and curricula. I also volunteer with BMHS (BAME Mental Health Support) and the African Community Center to support the needs of people from minority ethnic communities through advocacy, education and project delivery.
“I moved to Wales at the age of 16 and more than seven years later, Wales has become my home.
“I’ve also been privileged to impact the lives of many young people around me and to be recognized for that is a blessing to me.
“Thank God and my parents for trusting me and allowing me to fly,” she said after accepting her award. “This award is a testament to how far hard work can take you.
“Hopefully this will encourage other young black people that their voices matter and that they should never give up,” she added
dr Mahaboob Basha is the only winner over 30 to be exceptionally nominated with a special Welsh public service award during Covid-19 due to Covid.
A colleague at Swansea University said he had made an “immeasurable impact over the last decade as a passionate advocate for all those in need”, particularly refugees, asylum seekers, the diverse and Muslim community and newcomers to the city.
dr Basha said: “As a negotiator and part-time political and union activist, I have been a voice for the voiceless, particularly the diverse and Muslim community of South Wales, for a decade.
After accepting his award, Dr. Bashar: “It’s a surprise. I am honored to have won the award and to represent my community. This community has done so much for me that it is time for me to give something back to them.
“I want to be the voice of the voiceless in the Senedd and today is a first step towards that,” he added.
Zinzi Sibanda, 15, has won the Young Carer Award for helping to care for her mother, Donna, who has a brain injury resulting from autoimmune limbic encephalitis.
This means that since she was 12, Zinzi has been responsible for helping her mother with medication, doing online admin work and walking the dogs.
Although she has taken on additional responsibilities, she got 100% in her last chemistry exams and dreams of studying chemical engineering at Oxford or Cambridge universities.
After all, she wants to teach science to refugees and asylum seekers.
Her mother nominated her, saying she had “the brains and a heart of gold.”
Her mother added, “As a black young caregiver, Zinzi faces many challenges”.
“Their attitude towards their responsibilities is very different from that of their friends from other cultures, who do not have the same commitments and traditional family responsibilities that are expected and normal in the African and Caribbean communities.
“It’s like taking care of her mother is a way of life and that landed on her.
“It affects their social life and puts a strain on their school life.”
Zinzi will deliver her award-winning speech to launch this year’s Black History Month and has previously won a Young Peace Writers Award from the Welsh Center for International Affairs.
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