By Ria Choolun
Leicester group African Network is planning a series of workshops as part of its work to break the link between knife crime and the absence of a paternal figure.
The network built on cultural expression and empowering individuals with African heritage stresses the importance of workshops with young people to expose them to different possibilities other than carrying knives.
Executive member Paul Bup said: “Through these programs, the police are invited to speak with young people. There is a stigmatisation that the police are targeting young people with African heritage, they are not wrong.”
The number of stop and searches for Black or Black British individuals are 4.6 times higher than white individuals, according to recent 2025 data from Police UK.
Nora Badu, the women’s executive at the network, said: “We are trying to bring attention to the better things that are out there other than contributing to a knife crime statistic.”
On a national level, the network highlighted the need for a push for change in terms of understanding cultural differences and the gravity of peer pressure.
Mr Bup said: “We had a lot of support from the government through youth centres; a lot has been taken away. If there are no alternatives, the only safe space is a gang with peer pressure and pressure to belong.”
They believe to bring the issue to national attention, there needs to be a growing call for funding to be restored for youth centres and to reduce the number of budget cuts impacting these services.
Among the root cause of knife crimes, including factors like monetary gain, protection and a sense of belonging, the network said that single parenthood, particularly mothers, plays a significant role in parenting.
Mr Bup said: “Sometimes, the kids need both masculine and feminine support. For example, a friend of mine, a single parent, called me asking for me to speak to her son and offer masculine advice.”
Mrs Badu added: “It is not only about single parents but also parenting, we ask how we help couples who are struggling? Even kids who will not listen to the dad, but if someone else comes in, they often listen.”
The network is planning a workshop for mothers in March, aimed at helping them identify early signs of behaviours in their sons that can lead to involvement in knife crime.
For more information and to stay updated on the event, contact Mrs Badu at 0785 5035430.
