Featured Young Social Leader: Remaya Amelia
Remaya Amelia
Imani Academy & Co Youth Associate, Founder of A Product Of My Environment and secretary of the Harambee Organisation of Black Unity
What do you do?
I’m Remaya Amelia, a black empowerment advocate from Birmingham. I am the founder of A Product Of My Environment, a youth organisation dedicated to the empowerment of young black people. We aim to create a world where every young black person dreams big!
I also work as the secretary of the Harambee Organisation of Black Unity, and the Marcus Garvey Centre in Birmingham.
I’m a student too, entering my 3rd year at SOAS University of London studying BA Law and Politics. I am studying this degree on a scholarship by the Cowrie Scholarship Foundation.
Why do you do what you do?
My passion for social justice started at the age of 15. I grew up in an inner city area of Birmingham, and studied in the affluent area of Selly Oak, and the disparities I saw were alarming. Many of the white students who lived near to the school pursued A-levels and aspired to attend university, but many of my black peers believed that they should go straight into full-time employment after secondary school.
I decided to start A Product Of My Environment initially to advertise opportunities for young black people, as I thought that that was the issue. As my understanding of institutionalised racism developed, I began to channel my work into challenging stereotypes and empowering young Black people to dream big. Through our workshops, A Product Of My Environment hopes to provide an empowering environment that encourages young Black people to dream big and achieve their wildest dreams!
I love working in this area. I am able to support people like me, who may limit themselves due to their environment. I live by the quote “If not me then who? If not now then when?”.
What is something you are working on, learning or have an interest in at the moment?
At the moment I am working on developing theBreaking the Cycle programme. This is a 3 part programme that works with young people between the ages of 13-18. The first stage of the programme is centred around breaking down participants’ understanding of themselves, their surroundings and any oppressive structures that may be operating in their lives. Then, we focus on their ambitions and mind-mapping what ‘dreaming big’ looks like for them. Finally, we focus on turning their plans into action, and working as accountability partners to ensure that they meet their goal.
Is there a book, tool or resource that you would recommend, related to the theme or for other young social leaders?
When you’re passionate about creating change in your local area and community, it can be very helpful to understand the global implications of the oppressive system you’re organising around. A book that really helped me to understand institutionalised racism isThe New Age of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule the Worldby Kehinde Andrews.
I’d also recommend PeaceFirst, a global organisation that supports young change makers by providing funding and mentoring.
Finally, I’d say go out and network with other like-minded individuals! The knowledge I gained from attending events and volunteering at my local youth centre has been invaluable. It helped to boost my confidence advocating for A Product Of My Environment.
Originally featured in Young Social Leaders Newsletter Blog Series - here
