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The
informative debates Tiemo Talk of the Town have are helping to shape society and raise the level of discussion. The events
that you have mentioned thus far promise to be exiting ones.
Mr David Lammy, MP and Minister for Higher Education
23rd March 2009
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26 July 2007 : Hip-Hop Music and Youth Culture Debate : Feedback
"Excellent,
stimulating & political. Good to hear from young people and to hear the action points. More please. Will be building on
this."
Lady, Nottingham.
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"I
thought the debate was positive. Ideas were getting out."
Melinda Nampilma.
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"Really appreciated it and hope for more as it allows for mass networking. Valued each opinion. Nice
panel also. Thank you."
Anon
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"Very
insightful discussion. It may have deviated from the main point, but still was thought provoking. It may have been more helpful
if the youths had more of a voice."
Liane Walford
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"Very
influential seminar and something which should be more frequent."
Dean Ferry
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"What an informative, lively debate. I enjoyed hearing from the young people. What have I taken
away from this evening ? Answer : To consider what am I doing to support the youth ?"
JG
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The Trouble With Men III - 15 June 2007
"Hi
Tiemo, I enjoyed the debate. It was definitely thought provoking and seemed to pose even more questions in my mind about some
topics.
On the topic of absent fathers I felt the topic seemed to be quite touchy for some of the men in there and they
did not seem to want to answer the question head on and talk the talk as it were. The women in there could only answer so
far as to why so many black men feel it is okay to leave and to not have any input into their childs life. I have thought
about why this seems to be the case for lots of people who don't even know their fathers. I feel in this western society
particularly, there is no consequence or shame for men when they decide to not stick around. Women who leave their children
are often demonised and even ostracised. If the man leaves, the woman in many cases still shoulder the blame i.e why did you
not wait for a ring on your finger, etc.
There is quite simply no shame in not sticking around and taking responsibility
for your actions. I think the solution simply is we as a community need to literally shame these men who do not take responsibility,
and make them realise it is not normal behaviour. Even an animal would not leave their child/ren so why do some men feel it
is okay ? Children are being raised thinking it is normal to have just one parent around, it's not.
The article by the BBC [referring to the House of Commons Select Committee report into 'Young Black Men
and the Criminal Justice System', published 18.06.07] is in my opinion just another way to demonise Black
people. We know what the issues are, so what was their motive for highlighting the issues ? They are certainly not offering
any solutions or help. It was merely another way the media like to show us as imbeciles who can't keep our house in order.
There are definitely issues but we also have many good people who are doing all they can to help us up as a community but
why are they never shown or highlighted ? Because it doesn't go along with image or stereotype that they have of black
people. Don't always believe the hype, the media have a motive for always portraying the negative."
Louisa
"A very lively discussion that raised some important issues in relation to men. Positive efforts
were made by all present to find solutions to the issues affecting men, predominantly young black men.
Some interesting and surprising statistics were quoted by David Mulholland, that mixed race people
were more likely to be victims of crime, whilst young black men least likely to be. I disagree with these figures and am not
sure they relate to urban cities like London.
We had some good examples
from David and host Amadeus about dealing appropriately with disputes in public without disrespecting others and behaving
aggressively in a way that doesn't achieve satisfactory outcomes. Amadeus cited an incident re a youth
behaving badly in public whereby he intervened to ask the young man to take his feet off the bus seat and not only that,
once his request was met, explained the value of 'respect' for others property to the young man. A fine inspiring example
of community spirit, something I often do myself."
Gloria
March 2007 E-Newsletter
"What great links ! Especially
the Black Heroes in The Hall of Fame and The Women Rule The World and material on slavery. Really stylish and inspiring."
Madge Dresser, Author and Lecturer, University of West England. 6 March 2007
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Tiemo Talk of The Town - Education Debate 29th September 2006
"I thought the night was good.
Panel members were very good and informative. It was great that you were able to get a good mix, including racial mix - very
important. The panel and audience there made it a successful event.
I like the way the event included a mix of information - magistrates, school governors
and the display of information, plus a complimentary New Nation."
Bev Grant, DFES
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"Really good debate.
I thoroughly enjoyed the talk. The bootcamp man [Coach Lyken] was brilliant and really lifted the night. It was good to hear
the different perspectives of the panellists."
Charlotte Jennings
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"Really brilliant. A very stimulating,
good mix of panellists with a diverse range of views. A really interesting debate."
Michelle Fanus
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"The event started off with
a serious debate on why women in general were pursuing higher education in greater numbers than men and developed onto a very
interesting debate on how this could potentially affect relationships. The evening featured a diverse range of panelists
who were obviously knowledgeable in their fields. All of the panelists gave their frank and open views on the repercussions
of men not catching up with women in education.
We as the audience also had many opportunities to give our viewpoint and contribute to
the debate. Overall I would say that this was an excellent evening and the panelists and speakers provide inspiration for
us within the Black community to take more of an interest in education and to encourage others to do the same."
Sanchia Smithson,
Director
FFBJ
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"The issues raised in the debate
were really interesting and a really
good panel was present."
Selina Dawkins
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