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| Trauma of ten years ago changed
my life |
In a courageous and moving piece Abdul Hai
explains why events of ten years ago should not bar him from office
Rival youths battle in the Town Hall chamber in July last
year – scenes Mr Hai is attempting to prevent |
TEN years ago I was facing the most traumatic experiences of
my life. In fact these were to shape and change my life probably
forever. I have not tried to hide these events and people in the
area are familiar with them.
Actually they are the reason why I am working in the community now.
However, at the start of summer I was chosen to be a candidate in
King’s Cross for next year’s local elections.
This led to a renewed press interest in the events of ten years
ago. I was asked to write this Forum piece. Initially I did not
want to do it, not wanting go over the events, which were difficult
and traumatic not only for me but for many others as well.
However, given that people were going to read about them again I
wanted to make sure that people could also read about the message
that positives can come from negative experiences. This is what
I am writing about now.
In 1994, I was wrongly arrested for the death of another youth.
I maintained my innocence throughout and indeed the case was thrown
out by the Judge. This was a traumatic experience not just for me
but the victim’s family as well.
Without doubt my world was turned upside down and my family’s
life was affected. I was determined to resume my normal life and
overcome the barriers that I had faced.
After this incident, I became involved in a project at a local community
centre in King’s Cross. This allowed me to devote my working
life to increasing opportunities for all young people, irrespective
of their race, religion, gender or sexuality.
My work has included helping young people in the area, with issues
such as employment and educational training, and recreational activities.
For example, some of the kids that I have helped and supported had
left school with no qualifications – with our assistance, they
have managed to return to formal education and by becoming role
models have helped others who are in a similar position as them.
This is not just one group of young people but white, black Bangladeshis,
Somali all backgrounds.
We have tried to bring different groups together in Camden to celebrate
cultural diversity and to ensure that King’s Cross is the sort
of place that we all want to live in. Young people are, after all
our future.
By encouraging young people to undertake voluntary work in community
affairs, we can ensure that their voice is heard as well.
I have helped young people to organise festivals not only by the
young people taking responsibility for planning these events but
performing in workshops.
I have worked closely with police, street wardens and other agencies
to ensure that young people are catered for.
I will always have those experiences of ten years ago. And I do
often remember them. But I also believe that it is a responsibility
of all of us to work together with the police and the council. We
all want where we live and work to be a safe place and a good environment
and by working together we can achieve this, even when there are
diffuclt circumstances.
I already have experience of representing individuals and groups
to get the best out of council services. I decided to seek election
to the council because I passionately believe that by engaging and
participating in local democracy, we can change things and improve
the quality of life for our residents.
• Abdul Hai is the Labour Party candidate for King’s
Cross at next year’s council elections. |
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