In the last ten days, two young lives were heartbreakingly cut short by knife violence. In Woolwich, 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa, an aspiring rapper, was fatally attacked on a bus. In Bedford, 17-year-old Thomas Taylor was tragically killed at a bus station. These devastating losses remind us of the urgent need to act. As someone who has personally felt the unimaginable pain of losing a child to knife crime, Yvonne Lawson MBE, founder of the Godwin Lawson Foundation, is calling for decisive action.
- We need greater investment in youth initiatives.
- We must create safe spaces for young people.
- And we must tackle the root causes of violence.
We know through experience and research that early intervention plays a vital role in preventing the exploitation of young people. By recognising vulnerable youth and equipping them with education, mentorship, and access to community programmes such as the ones we provide, we can create pathways that steer them away from gang involvement and towards positive opportunities.
This week’s tragedies also highlight the need to go further in banning lethal weapons, including swords and other deadly items. “It’s not enough to ban zombie knives; we must remove all lethal weapons from circulation,” The Godwin Lawson Foundation (GLF), founded in memory of my son Godwin, is committed to reducing knife and gun crime.
Through our work, we’ve influenced legislation and supported young people in finding hope and opportunity. But we can’t do it alone.Let’s come together as communities, organisations, and policymakers to create real change.
For Kelyan. For Thomas. For all the lives we’ve lost and those we can still save.