Duwayne Brooks: turning adversity into ambition

Duwayne Brooks is only too familiar with the challenges that young Black men face. In the last two decades of his life, he has lost his best friend, Stephen Lawrence, in a racist attack, as well as being demonised with false accusations of rape and being a gang member.

But these episodes in life have not held him back, rather he has used the moments and experiences to forge a career in politics, becoming a Councillor for the Liberal Democrats in the London Borough of Lewisham in 2009.

Brooks recently visited Operation Black Vote’s headquarters in Bethnal Green, east London to speak to OBV director Simon Woolley about the recent convictions of two men for Stephen’s murder as well the Lawrence family’s fight for justice. Moreover, the 37-year-old also spoke about his personal ambitions, which included his ambitions to become Mayor of Lewisham in 2014.

Brooks also speaks about his experiences as a young politician and the continued fight to dispel stereotypes and being a positive representation of Black Britons.

Talking about his work as a councillor and experiences at conferences, where he is often the only Black person, Brooks said:

“I'm at the hotel and there will be a councillor from some part of the country and they'll say ‘are you my taxi’ or ‘are you here to help me with my suitcase? Then they see me at the top desk the next day and I'm just looking down to see where they are and the shock on their face. They’re coming up to me, saying ‘I sincerely apologise to you councillor’.”

Brooks though believes these are positive encounters as it helps dispel myths and is evidence that Black men can achieve and progress in Britain.

In OBV’s exclusive interview, Brooks also recalls the summer riots which blighted parts of London and other cities in England, saying he was horrified by the actions of local youth on his doorstep. Brooks criticises the media, in particular BBC and Sky News, for their interviews with ‘rioting young Black men’ when there were people from all backgrounds rioting.

Brooks story is seen as inspirational to many and it is one of the reasons why he works hard to show others in the Black community that if ‘Duwayne Brooks can do it, so can I’.

Listening to Brooks speak about being positive and ambitious despite the loss of his best friend as well as having his reputation tarnished should inspire others to go out and be ambitious, no matters the adversity of life.

Head on over to OBV’s official YouTube channel to watch a three-part exclusive interview with Duwayne Brooks by clicking here.

Rhona Asmah