Local residents Matthew Ryder and Richard Reid have been named as national role models for young black men under the Labour Government’s REACH programme.

Matthew and Richard Reid are 2 of only 20 role models announced this month and specially selected by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

They have been recruited to raise the aspirations and attainment of Black boys and young Black men, who are statistically less likely to do well at school, and more likely to be unemployed and involved in the criminal justice system. Black pupils make up 55% of secondary school students in Lambeth.

REACH was commissioned by the Government to examine how to raise the aspirations and attainment of young Black men in 2006. Made up of the Black community with direct experience of working with young people, it draws members from the police, local authorities, schools and community groups.

In 2007, REACH published a report with 5 recommendations for Government action, the first of which was to improve the visibility of positive Black role models. REACH argued that often images of successful black men were limited to the worlds of sports and music, and proposed a structured role model programme to provide a wider set of images and examples to show that Black men can be, and are, successful in a wide range of fields.

In response, DCLG launched a nationwide search for 20 Black men to be national role models. Over 200 applications were received, from which 50 candidates were shortlisted by a group of young men to be interviewed by the REACH panel.

Ryder and Reid are two South Londoners to have been selected. Matthew Ryder, is a leading criminal law and human rights barrister who went to a state school and won a place to study law at Cambridge and then Colombia Universities. He is a member of the England and New York Bars and lives in Brixton Hill.

Richard Reid is a fire fighter who grew up in Brixton. In addition to his usual duties fighting fires, he facilitates the Fire Service’s Open Days to encourage women and ethnic minority candidates to join the service, and has done a range of voluntary and mentor work in his community. He lives in Herne Hill.

Chuka attended the launch of REACH role models, and welcomed Richard and Matthew’s selection:

“Too often the media portrayal of young men of my background is negative or one which suggests we can only flourish in certain fields. Our REACH programme is about changing that and inspiring our young Black men to achieve in all arenas.

“In Matthew and Richard, REACH could not have chosen two better role models – it is great to see two fantastic local people step up to the plate and help younger generations stand on their shoulders, they are a real example to us all.”

Find our more about REACH here.

Carys Afoko