Baroness Oona King offered some advice. Remember if you don’t do it, nobody else will. If you come from a ‘disadvantaged’ background and feel discouraged, please remember; do not prejudge the prejudice of others. I was never encouraged to stand for election as an MP. I was told I was the wrong type of colour for the area, plus I am part Jewish that really did not suit the constituency. I just decided by myself and I won.
Quince Garcia, one of the awardees said, ‘I'm co-founder of Roadworks Media, a film production company based in South London. I'm delighted to be here and have been invited by The Universal Peace Federation. As director of Roadworks Media our projects have required us to work with green screen, 35mm film and digital recording cameras with a set and crew that has lead us to exhibit a lot of our work. Our clients have included Google, The Pollocks Toy Store, Wates Constructions and The Forgiveness Project.
2006 was a real turning point and I laid strong foundations to begin putting my life in a different order that I felt would benefit my future. Prior to that I spent time in Prison and was unfortunately involved in drug dealing. Despite that being a dark and turbulent time in my life, the time I spent in prison forced me to re-evaluate, re-consider and re-start the path I am on today.
I was fortunate to work a long side some pro-active charities such as Kate Quigley-Ruby’s The
Clink and Tomorrow’s People. This gave me the opportunity to give back something positive to society, which offered me a huge amount of reward to feel confident about setting up Roadworks Media with Julien thanks to huge support we gained from the Prince’s Trust.
Today the dream of managing a production company exists, amongst receiving a degree in film and animation and being honoured as an Ambassador of Peace. Julien and I have worked hard and patiently to organise what we are trying to achieve today and that is to set up a youth aid programme. It is called 1st Steps and has the support from 198 Arts Centre, Stronglinx and Sophie PR. Its aim is to enable youths from the ages of 14 - 25 to gain a qualification in a key area of filmmaking. The programme also aims to steer youths from vulnerable backgrounds away from a life of crime and gangs, to help encourage those who lack in self-confidence to take part in the making of a 10-minute film. At the end of six consecutive short films we will organise an event to showcase the work to the public The Rudolf Steiner House Theatre, in Baker Street and amongst other venues that would be keen to screen the work.
It has been a great honour to be here amongst you all today, Lords, representatives and speakers. I understand how important my commitments are and what they mean to everyone who surrounds themselves with me.
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